Benzene transfers from INEOS Styrolution will begin this week.
On Tuesday, the company notified the public and industrial neighbours of its plans to begin benzene transfers from its Tashmoo Avenue facility via pipeline, as part of the approved Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) removal plan.
INEOS said environmental modelling has confirmed there is no anticipated off-site impact above new regulatory and health-based limits during this phase of the plan.
"While recognizing this activity may result in increased emissions, benzene removal is a requirement of MECP and ECCC," said the company in a Sarnia-Lambton Alert. "INEOS Styrolution remains dedicated to community and personnel safety and will continue to monitor onsite monitors as well as conduct increased handheld monitoring during this phase of the benzene removal plan. We will investigate any potential sources of benzene emissions and communicate additional information as required."
The agreed upon suspension plan must be implemented within the October 16 deadline set by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). INEOS had pushed for more time, urging safety over speed, but its alternative plan was rejected.
Further details about the plans, as well as near-real time benzene monitoring data from the monitoring systems can be found on the company's website.
In June, INEOS announced it would permanently close its styrene monomer production site on Tashmoo Avenue by June 2026.