INEOS Styrolution considers appealing provincial order

INEOS Styrolution is looking to possibly appeal a recent order by the province that shut down its Sarnia plant on Tashmoo Avenue.

On Wednesday, Ontario's Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) ordered the company to suspend its production operations.

INEOS said the appeal will enable them to safely and effectively implement newly designed equipment systems on site, to meet the new emission standards, address the concerns of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and continue to serve wider economic needs.

The company claims the timeline given to them by the province is unrealistic.

"Our engineers and technical teams have raised significant concerns about safety and elevate emissions if the Ministry insists on the ill-informed timelines contained in its May 1,2024, order," a statement said.

INEOS said there is a raised concern on the local and national economy because the plant is closed.

"The flow of all products into and out of the site is currently stopped and the plant cannot be restarted until the requirements set forth in the May 1, 2024, order is satisfied," the statement said.

The company claims the shutdown will likely impact refineries that produce most of Eastern Canada's gas.

It said the order will require significant investments.

According to INEOS, prior to the new orders from the MECP, it confirmed that site monitoring systems specified by the province detected no emissions exceeding the prescribed limit in the weeks before the initial order issued on April 16.

This is the second time the company has denied exceeding prescribed benzene emission levels.

The First Nation closed its band office on April 16 after staff were reporting feeling ill because of high benzene levels in the air.

"INEOS Styrolution has invested more than $50 million in our Sarnia site over the past five years. It has the expertise and the intent to continue to implement planned improvements on benzene emission abatement at the site, safely and effectively," the statement said.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Aamjiwnaang First Nation issued its own Notice of Violation against INEOS and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks seeking remediation of benzene emissions.