INEOS Styrolution halting production to address benzene issue - Sarnia News Today

INEOS Styrolution is shutting down its Sarnia facility "to perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue," after reports of elevated benzene levels in Aamjiwnaang First Nation earlier this week.

Members of the neighbouring First Nation Band Office have been working from home since Tuesday, when "extremely high levels" of benzene were first detected.

Benzene is linked to a wide range health effects, including cancer.

A provincial order was issued to the chemical manufacturer on Thursday, which Global News reported gave the company one week to create a written plan to address the high levels of benzene.

Chief of Aamjiwnaang Chris Plain called for more swift action from the government, and expressed hesitancy that INEOS would comply with the order.

However, on Saturday afternoon, the company issued a brief statement, saying a temporary shutdown would commence.

"At INEOS Styrolution, ensuring the health and safety of our employees and community is paramount," read the brief notice. "We are temporarily shutting down our facility located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, to perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue. We will resume operations once addressed."

Shortly after, the Aamjiwnaang Band Council released a statement, calling it "welcome news."

"While we welcome this news we look forward to hearing additional next steps and coming to a resolution INEOS Styrolution and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)," read the release. "We are advising that community members continue to exercise caution in avoiding the baseball diamond and playground areas."