INEOS Styrolution Sarnia says no emissions occurred above prescribed limits

Air monitoring data from a chemical plant in Sarnia shows it did not exceed prescribed emission limits, the company says.

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The statement from INEOS Styrolution comes after elevated benzene recordings at an Aamjiwnaang First Nation-based monitoring station April 16, calls from Aamjiwnaang First Nation for the company to cease operatingIneos temporarily shutting down operations to deal with maintenance and a mechanical issue, the Environment Ministry ordering the company to take steps to deal with benzene emissions, and Aamjiwnaang declaring a local emergency over “ongoing and excessive” benzene discharges.

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It also comes in the wake of an Environment Ministry study finding elevated benzene readings in Sarnia and Aamjiwnaang over a period of years.

The carcinogen that can cause leukemia is a natural component of petroleum, primarily used to make polystyrene, for making plastics and rubber.

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“We have reviewed all data for the period concerned and we can confirm that our monitors recorded no emissions outside our prescribed limits,” INEOS officials said in a news release late Tuesday, noted they’d spoken with Aamjiwnaang Chief Chris Plain and council members April 30.

“We look forward to continued dialogue with the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and our Sarnia community stakeholders,” says the release, titled “data confirms INEOS Styrolution Sarnia compliant with prescribed emission limits.”

The company’s five air monitors on site are “state-of-the-art,” it says, noting there are others in the surrounding area.

“These are official monitors, carefully calibrated within a range set by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks,” the statement says. “They monitor air quality 24/7 and send alerts by email if there are any emissions outside the approved range. They continue to operate correctly.”

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Company officials go on to say they’re committed to safety, no one at the INEOS Sarnia site has reported feeling unewell “and our site continues to be a safe place to work for our employees and contractors.

“We hope this will be of further reassurance to our neighbors.”

INEOS also noted the company has invested $50 million during five years into its Sarnia site, including $4.4-million in benzene emission reduction technology and equipment.

The company said it “responded immediately” to concerns about benzene emissions the week of April 16, “including being in contact with (Aamjiwnaang), and we are working with the ministry.”

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has said it took the company a week to speak with officials in Sarnia.

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Company officials have not previously responded to requests for comment, and Wednesday didn’t immediately respond to another email requesting an interview.

Aamjiwnaang community members reported headaches, nausea and dizziness April 16 as an air monitoring station near the band office reported high benzene levels.

More air quality monitors were subsequently installed.

In a statement Sunday, the First Nation’s band council said buildings that had been shut down since April 16 were reopening Monday.

They’ll close again if benzene measurements reach 27 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) via measurements at measurements cleanairsarniaandarea.comthe statement says.

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Officials with the Aamjiwnaang band office didn’t immediately respond Wednesday to a request seeking comment.

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