The Ministry of the Environment in Ontario has ordered a petrochemical facility in Sarnia to suspend its production operations due to high benzene emissions, which were first reported by the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The First Nation, located near industrial facilities, raised concerns about residents falling ill and high levels of the cancer-causing substance being emitted from the Ineos Styrolution plant. While the company stated that its monitors did not detect emissions above limits, it voluntarily shut down for maintenance and to address mechanical issues. Despite previous orders to reduce benzene emissions, recent readings still exceeded acceptable levels, leading to the suspension of the facility’s Environmental Compliance Approval.
In response to the high benzene emissions, the ministry has imposed several conditions that the facility must meet before resuming operations. These include suspending production operations, removing all benzene storage from the site, repairing leaky equipment, installing full vapour control on benzene-containing vessels, and implementing a comprehensive monitoring and community notification plan. The ministry will closely monitor the company’s progress in meeting these requirements and reviewing a startup plan before allowing normal operations to resume. Ineos has stated that it constantly monitors air quality on-site and has not detected any emissions outside the approved range, reassuring that the site is safe for employees and contractors.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation has long advocated for stronger monitoring and stricter regulations due to the high rates of health issues within the community, including asthma, headaches, learning and behavioral problems in children, and miscarriages. The Ineos factory produces styrene, used in plastics like Styrofoam containers and foam packing pellets, which is made from benzene extracted from crude oil. The Ontario Ministry had recently issued a compliance order to Ineos, requiring a plan to prevent, reduce, and eliminate wastewater discharge of benzene, as well as procedures to notify the public of elevated benzene concentrations in the air and to address other sources of benzene discharge.
The Ministry’s decision to suspend the facility’s operations aims to ensure that the causes and sources of the high benzene emissions are fully addressed. By imposing strict conditions and monitoring progress, the Ministry seeks to prevent further harm to the environment and nearby communities. Ineos has not yet responded to the Ministry’s statement but previously stated that no one at the site had reported feeling unwell, emphasizing the safety of the facility for employees and contractors. The temporary shutdown of the facility underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations to protect public health and the environment from harmful emissions.
