As benzene removal continues at INEOS Styrolution's Tashmoo Avenue site some Aamjiwnaang residents are being told to evacuate, as a precaution.
INEOS will be kicking off Part B of their benzene removal plan Tuesday, and those living in designated zones around the plant will be staying in hotels for a few days.
It's anticipated the benzene emissions from INEOS could exceed Aamjiwnaang's benchmark of 27 micrograms per cubic metre, in the Highway 40 and Vidal Street area.
The First Nation has already made arrangements with those impacted, and they were being told to close their vents and windows. Residents were being told to bring items with them, including medication, toiletries, identification, wallet, phone, change of clothes and chargers. Those with pets were being told to contact area kennels, as hotels won't accommodate animals.
Aamjiwnaang Chief Elect Janelle Nahmabin said they're helping members the best they can during this time.
"If they require transportation to and from, we have that," said Nahmabin. "We've been working with the First Nation's emergency team, and they've been quite helpful with making sure that we have everything that we need. They're also filling the gaps with anything we may have missed. I'm hoping this is all just precautionary and we don't have to evacuate other parts of our community. At least we were informed this time, and we can be proactive rather than reactive."
The agreed upon suspension plan must be implemented within the October 16 deadline set by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
INEOS announced three months ago it would be permanently closing its styrene monomer production site by June 2026.
Aamjiwnaang declared a State of Emergency in late April due to high benzene levels, and the First Nation issued a Notice of Violation against the company in May.
The federal government also placed strict benzene pollution controls on all Sarnia petrochemical companies.
In a statement to Sarnia News Today, INEOS said it's fully committed to minimizing benzene emissions during the destocking process, with safety as the top priority.
"We are dedicated to protecting our employees, contractors, and neighbouring communities, prioritizing safety above all else," read the notice. "However, despite our best efforts, our modelling suggests that the destocking plan, as mandated by the MECP and ECCC, may result in benzene emissions exceeding the recently lowered regulatory limits. We have proactively informed the AFN, MECP, and ECCC of this potential outcome."
INEOS said modelling indicates an increased potential of emissions exceeding the new ultra-low hourly limit of 90 µg/m³ at our site between October 2 and 6.
"Any elevated emissions are expected to be localized near the site boundary and are not expected to cause adverse effects to the local population," it said. "In compliance with MECP regulations, INEOS Styrolution will issue community notifications if emissions reach 75% (67.5 µg/m³) of the new limit (90 µg/m³). These notifications are precautionary and do not indicate an actual exceedance. Additionally, the Government of Canada assesses health risks based on lifetime exposure to such levels, while this event spans just a few days."
INEOS stresses its plant isn't the only source of benzene locally.