The baseball diamond at Aamjiwnaang First Nation - May 3/24 (Blackburn Media photo by Melanie Irwin)The baseball diamond at Aamjiwnaang First Nation - May 3/24 (Blackburn Media photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

High benzene levels close Aamjiwnaang playground, baseball diamond

The baseball diamond, playground and church were closed at Aamjiwnaang First Nation on Sunday.

Through its notification system high levels of benzene were reported in the area on Saturday.

According to the Clean Air Sarnia and Area website, at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, 15.5 ug/m3 [micrograms per metre] of benzene was recorded in the data collected at Aamjiwnaang's First Nation Sports Centre.

"For those that were in that area [Saturday] afternoon, we ask that you monitor for any symptoms and if you have any to report them to the health centre," the notification said.

A chart showing benzene levels at Aamjiwnaang First Nation's Sportscentre on May 4, 2024.(Image captured from the CASA [Clean Air Sarnia and Area] public website.)A chart showing benzene levels at Aamjiwnaang First Nation's Sportscentre on May 4, 2024.(Image captured from the CASA [Clean Air Sarnia and Area] public website.)

INEOS Styrolution was ordered to shut down by Ontario's Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) after high levels of benzene from the Tashmoo Avenue facility.

Meanwhile, the company said on Friday night it is considering appealing the order.

It claims the timeline given by the province is unrealistic and it will have economic impacts.

On Friday, Aamjiwnaang First Nation issued its own Notice of Violation against INEOS Styrolution and the MECP.

The First Nation said during an update to its State of Emergency, they want to be included at decision making tables.

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