INEOS Styrolution's plea for additional time to install abatement technology in an effort to mitigate benzene emissions, was recently turned down by the federal Environment Ministry.
In a statement released Friday, INEOS said since April 2024 the company and Aamjiwnaang First Nation (AFN), as well as regulatory authorities have worked together to address the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) orders, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Federal orders, and the Benzene Regulation (O. Reg. 206/24).
INEOS said discussions involved collaboration among technical, operational, and business personnel, supported by expert input from all parties.
The company said a detailed suspension plan, including winterization measures, was submitted and approved by the MECP Director on August 14, 2024.
"Through cooperative efforts, INEOS Styrolution, MECP, and the AFN have significantly reduced the contested issues in the INEOS Styrolution Canada Ltd. v Ontario OLT appeal, leading to an agreement to adjourn the appeal," read the statement.
INEOS said the agreed upon suspension plan must be implemented within the October 16 deadline set by the ECCC, despite the company raising concerns that modelling indicates there is likely to be elevated benzene emissions during destocking.
"INEOS Styrolution shared this modelling with MECP, the AFN, and ECCC, along with an alternative plan proposing additional time to install abatement technology to mitigate emissions and remain below the new limits — urging safety over speed. Despite this, the ECCC rejected the alternative plan, maintaining the October 16, 2024, deadline for destocking site inventory. "
Work is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2024.
"While INEOS Styrolution remains committed to compliance, as a responsible and safety-focused operator, we are compelled to proceed under the ECCC’s imposed deadline and continue to work with the MECP to ensure full compliance with its ruling."
Further details about the plans, as well as near-real time benzene monitoring data from the monitoring systems can be found on the company's website.
In June, INEOS announced it would permanently close its styrene monomer production site on Tashmoo Avenue by June 2026.