Aamjiwnaang First Nation sign. Image courtesy of aamjiwnaang.caAamjiwnaang First Nation sign. Image courtesy of aamjiwnaang.ca
Sarnia

UPDATE: Aamjiwnaang staff told to go home due to high benzene levels

Aamjiwnaang First Nation issued a notice Tuesday afternoon, suggesting all staff leave their buildings and work from home for the rest of the day.

They said it's due to 'extremely high levels' of benzene in the Band Office area.

Aamjiwnaang are advising that community members keep windows closed Tuesday night and Wednesday and to exercise caution in avoiding the baseball diamond and playground areas.

The same buildings that were impacted by Tuesday's notice — administration, annex, prevention, education admin and public works buildings — will be closed on Wednesday. Staff will be working from home and will offer assistance to members as best as possible.

In a post to social media Tuesday night, Aamiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain said the decision was made after employees at the band office complained of headaches, nausea and dizziness. He said the cause is directly related to excessive levels of benzene emissions from the nearby INEOS Styrolution facility on Tashmoo Avenue.

There was no notification sent through Sarnia Lambton Alerts.

Sarnia News Today reached out to the Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (BASES) for comment.

Senior Communications Advisor Tracy Krull said they are aware of the situation.

"We are actively following up with local facilities to gather more information and understand if there are any current operational issues," she said.

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