INEOS reports elevated benzene levels during unit shutdown

INEOS Styrolution notified the community of temporary elevated benzene levels on Thursday.

The Tashmoo Avenue facility reported through Sarnia-Lambton Alerts that spikes of greater than 12.5 PPB [parts per billion] may occur as it progresses through the current stages of its unit shutdown.

"Due to this impact we will be putting a hold on all onsite activities for the time being," INEOS Styrolution said in the community notification at 2:49 p.m.

Just after 3 p.m., Aamjiwnaang First Nation reported high benzene levels at the Band Office through its notification system.

"Everyone is asked to please stay away from or [refrain from] attending the Band Office, playground or ballpark area at this time. There are high benzene readings for this area," the report said.

At noon on Thursday, 191.3 µg/m3 [micrograms per cubic metre] of benzene was recorded in the data collected at Aamjiwnaang's Sportscenter Station, as specified on the Clean Air Sarnia and Area website.

A chart shows benzene levels reported at Aamjiwnaang First Nation's Sportscentre on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Image captured from the CASA [Clean Air Sarnia and Area] public website.

Benzene is linked to a wide range of health effects, including cancer.

INEOS Styrolution announced it was shutting down its Sarnia facility to "perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue" on April 20.

A provincial compliance order, issued to the chemical manufacturer, gave the company one week to create a written plan to address the high levels of benzene.

Ontario's environment ministry ordered INEOS to develop a plan by April 26 to prevent, reduce, and eliminate wastewater discharge of benzene.

The company was also told to implement procedures to notify the public when benzene concentrations in the air exceed certain thresholds by May 3, and to take action to prevent, decrease and eliminate other sources of benzene discharge by May 17.

Aamjiwnaang Chief Chris Plain, called on federal, provincial and municipal governments to immediately impose a shutdown at INEOS after benzene levels over 115 µg/m3 [micrograms per cubic metre] were recorded on April 16.

Staff have been working from home since last week after complaints were made about headaches, nausea and dizziness.

Chief Plain told Sarnia News Today on April 19 that staff in the Band Office area would not be "coming to work until this is corrected."

There was no notification sent through Sarnia-Lambton Alerts following the incident on April 16.