Despite reports of headaches, nausea and dizziness by members of the neighbouring Aamjiwnaang First Nation, INEOS Styrolution claims it "did not breach its emission limit" over the past month.
The First Nation closed it's band office on April 16 when staff reported feeling sick due to high benzene levels in the area. They only returned to the office this week, after the neighbouring chemical facility was shut down for maintenance "to address a mechanical issue."
Though there were several instances during the month of April when the air station at the First Nation band office detected benzene levels over 100 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre), the company says that no emissions were detected outside the approved range.
"We have reviewed all data for the period concerned and we can confirm that our monitors recorded no emissions outside our prescribed limits," read a statement from the German-headquartered company issued Tuesday evening.
INEOS says the Sarnia facility has five state-of-the-art monitors on site that are "carefully calibrated within a range set by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Park." The company did not specify what that range is. Provincial legislation only dictates what benzene levels can't be exceeded on an annual basis.
However, a provincial order was issued to INEOS, directing the company to develop a plan by April 26 to address the high levels of benzene.
"We can confirm that no one on our site has reported feeling unwell and our site continues to be a safe place to work for our employees and contractors," read the statement. "We hope this will be of further reassurance to our neighbours."
The statement went on to say that the company "responded immediately to these concerns the week of April 16, 2024, including being in contact with the Aamjiwnaang First Nation."
However, many in the First Nations community don't agree.
Chief Christopher Plain called on higher levels of government to step in after years of complaints have gone unanswered.
The Aamjiwnaang Jiibwaabiigamowag Young People’s Council also issued a statement last week, calling for more transparency.
"A particular concern is the fact that the benzene advisory was not voiced by INEOS Styrolution, but was instead raised by the Aamjiwnaang community members monitoring benzene levels. This glaring oversight exemplifies a lack of proactive engagement from INEOS Styrolution and casts doubt on the prospects for meaningful reconciliation, especially from the perspective of our youth. It's crucial that the Federal and Provincial government set regulations and policies in place that lead to more proactive measures to effectively reduce and eliminate toxins being released into our community," read the statement.
The site remains shut down as maintenance work continues.