By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Municipality Confirms Chatham‑Kent Drinking Water Supply Safe After Greenfield Global Fire
Chatham‑Kent says the municipal drinking water supply remains safe following the fire at the Greenfield Global facility, and that at no point during the incident was the potable water system compromised. Normal water pressure was maintained throughout the Chatham distribution system, and the elevated water tank stayed well above the level required to support fire protection needs.
Darren Galbraith, General Manager of the Chatham‑Kent Public Utilities Commission, said the systems performed as expected. “The municipal water and wastewater systems continued to operate as intended throughout the incident,” he said. “Precautionary measures were taken to protect the wastewater system while the emergency response was underway, and the potable water supply was never compromised.”
Operations for both the municipal water and wastewater systems experienced no adverse effects from the fire. Although the Chatham water treatment plant is located near the Thames River, the municipality does not draw drinking water from the river. Residents do not need to take any action regarding their municipal water as a result of the incident.
Environmental response and cleanup efforts continue in the area surrounding the Greenfield Global site. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has acknowledged responsibility for cleanup activities and is working closely with Greenfield Global.
MECP has been made aware of localized fish mortality observed in the Thames River near the site. It has not yet been determined whether the fish deaths are connected to the incident. The ministry is working with Greenfield Global to assess conditions and address any environmental impacts.
Residents who observe environmental concerns are encouraged to report them to MECP at 519‑948‑1464 or through the Report Pollution and Spills online service.
The Municipality says it will continue supporting the response and will provide updates as confirmed information becomes available.