Ontario orders company over benzene emissions

TORONTO – Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment has ordered a chemical company in the Sarnia region to get its benzene emissions under control after a neighboring First Nation raised concerns.

Surrounded by industrial facilities, Aamjiwnaang First Nation has long called for increased monitoring and action to protect air quality. Earlier this month, they said data showed elevated levels of benzene.

The provincial Department of Environment has issued a compliance notice to INEOS Styrolution Sarnia, which produces styrene for use in making plastic.

That company must develop a plan by April 26 to prevent, reduce and eliminate the discharge of benzene, a carcinogen, into wastewater.

The company must also implement procedures to notify the public by May 3 when ambient benzene concentrations exceed certain thresholds, and take action to prevent, reduce and eliminate other sources of benzene discharge by May 17.

INEOS Styrolution Sarnia has temporarily closed the facility for a week and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2024.

The Canadian Press