Feb 27, 2018. (Photo by Paul Pedro)Feb 27, 2018. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
Chatham

LTVCA Asks Residents To Stop Pushing Debris Into River

As the flood warning ends in Chatham-Kent, conservation officials are urging residents to stop pushing debris back into the Thames River.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority says it has received complaints of residents pushing flood-related debris back into the river and asks that residents properly dispose of material, as it could be hazardous.

The LTVCA has also issued a safety bulletin for the region.

Weather forecasts are calling for temperatures to remain above freezing until Friday when overnight lows below freezing will occur.  Around 10-35 mm of rain is expected on Thursday.

The conservation authority says water levels on the Thames River are dropping throughout the watershed from the upper reaches down to the mouth at Lighthouse Cove. Water levels are back down into the river flats as well.

The LTVCA stopped operating the 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Station Monday evening and closed the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel Tuesday morning.

If the region gets heavy rainfall Thursday, the diversion channel may need to be operated again.

According to the LTVCA, the river will continue to see elevated water levels for a few days, and everyone should use extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. Children, pets, and livestock should also be kept away from the water.

Conservation officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

[gallery size="medium" ids="1885986,1885987"]

Read More Local Stories