The chief executive officer (CEO) of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce says concerns have been raised about the future of the local chemical industry with the anticipated closure of a styrene plant.
The organization recently released a statement addressed to members of different levels of government, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriot.
CEO Carrie McEachran said the statement was spearheaded by the chamber's government affairs committee.
"The goal behind this statement is to really urge the government -- at all levels -- to really take the time to understand the local industry and the interconnectivity of all of the services that are happening and the collaborations," McEachran said. "When regulations are happening quickly without full analysis... when policies are changing, regulations are changing, then that really disrupts a lot of what's happening within these industries."
While the statement didn't single out a specific company, McEachran told Sarnia News Today the discussion with its government affairs committee was prompted by the planned closure of INEOS Styrolution's Tashmoo Avenue site by June 2026.
The company announced the closure after sanctions were placed on the facility in response to members of Aamjiwnaang First Nation feeling ill due to elevated levels of benzene emissions.
"We haven't heard that [the] industry is thinking it's unfair," said McEachran. "What we're hearing is that perhaps it wasn't well thought out, perhaps there wasn't a full analysis
done and time being given to look at how this can be worked out and solved."
McEachran acknowledged the importance of industries complying with regulations.
"We really wanted to encourage the government to really analyze and think about any changes that happen," she said. "Take the time to think about that, do an analysis, look at the system as a whole and the impact of what the changes will do."
McEachran said there are concerns the void will not be filled locally once INEOS closes its Sarnia facility.
"I do know there's some creative thinking happening and there's lots of people advocating and working on this but my understanding from our chamber members is that there is some great concern there," she said.
The Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (BASES) also recently issued a statement regarding Sarnia-Lambton's petrochemical industry.
McEachran said although BASES is a chamber member, their statement was separate.
"The impending closure of the INEOS Styrolution facility is disappointing news and unfortunate for local industry. Local companies that provided INEOS Styrolution with benzene (a by-product of refining and petrochemical manufacturing) are now assessing other options," read the media release from BASES. "The preferred solution would be to process local benzene at a facility within the region in order to reduce environmental impacts, stimulate economic growth, and improve logistical efficiency."
While alternative options are being explored, BASES said incremental risks do exist when it comes to the movement of benzene between regions.
"Looking ahead, local facilities are focused on future investments and innovations that align with sustainability and decarbonization goals," the statement added.
"By maintaining regulatory certainty, exploring sustainable solutions for benzene processing, and continuing to collaborate on air quality monitoring, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Sarnia-Lambton’s petrochemical industry."
Aamjiwnaang First Nation also released information recently, about benzene exposure, with contributions from various agencies.
While benzene is released into the air by some manufacturers, small amounts of the colourless liquid can also be released by vehicles, smoking, and at gas stations, read a report.
However, chronic benzene exposure can pose significant health risks, including different types of cancer.
Aamjiwnaang said a presentation will be held at a later date (that has yet to be determined) to present the information included in the web documents.