INEOS Styrolution is shutting down its Sarnia facility "to perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue," after reports of elevated benzene levels in Aamjiwnaang First Nation earlier this week.
Members of the neighbouring First Nation Band Office have been working from home since Tuesday, when "extremely high levels" of benzene were first detected.
Benzene is linked to a wide range health effects, including cancer.
A provincial order was issued to the chemical manufacturer on Thursday, which gave the company one week to create a written plan to address the high levels of benzene.
Chief of Aamjiwnaang Chris Plain called for more swift action from the government, and expressed hesitancy that INEOS would comply with the order.
However, on Saturday afternoon, the company issued a brief statement, saying a temporary shutdown would commence.
"At INEOS Styrolution, ensuring the health and safety of our employees and community is paramount," read the brief notice. "We are temporarily shutting down our facility located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, to perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue. We will resume operations once addressed."
Shortly after, the Aamjiwnaang Band Council released a statement, calling it "welcome news."
"While we welcome this news we look forward to hearing additional next steps and coming to a resolution INEOS Styrolution and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)," read the release. "We are advising that community members continue to exercise caution in avoiding the baseball diamond and playground areas."
The INEO Styrolution facility will have elevated flaring as a result of the shutdown.
In an alert it said the duration of the flaring is expected to be from Monday to Friday.
"Our flare systems meet strict environmental controls as well as process safety and Responsible Care Standards. They are an important safety device that safely bur excessive hydrocarbon gases that can not be recovered or recycled," It said. "When you see flaring, please be assured that flares plan a key role in keeping our facilities running safely. We strive to minimize flaring, keeping it to times necessary for our continued safe operation."
