The Ministry of the Environment in Ontario has ordered a petrochemical facility in Sarnia to suspend its production operations due to high benzene emissions that were first reported by the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The First Nation, which monitors air quality readings in the area, noticed citizens falling ill and high emissions of benzene from the Ineos Styrolution facility. Despite the company’s claims that their own monitors did not detect emissions outside prescribed limits, the ministry decided to suspend the facility’s Environmental Compliance Approval in order to address the ongoing issue of high benzene emissions.
In response to the ministry’s decision, Ineos Styrolution has temporarily shut down its operations to perform maintenance and address the mechanical issue that caused the high benzene emissions. The company stated that it constantly monitors air quality with state-of-the-art monitors on-site and would send alerts if there were any emissions outside the approved range. However, the ministry found that recent readings at the site continued to exceed acceptable levels, prompting the decision to suspend the facility’s Environmental Compliance Approval until the causes and sources of emissions are fully addressed.
In order to resume normal operations, the facility must meet several conditions set by the ministry, including removing all benzene storage from the site, repairing leaky equipment, installing full vapour control on vessels containing benzene, and implementing a comprehensive benzene monitoring and community notification plan. The ministry will closely monitor the company’s progress in meeting these requirements and will require the submission of a startup plan for review before operations can resume. Members of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation have long advocated for stronger monitoring and regulations due to the high rates of health issues in their community.
The Ineos Styrolution facility in Sarnia produces styrene for use in making plastics such as Styrofoam containers and trays, as well as foam packing pellets. Styrene is made from benzene, a petrochemical mainly extracted from crude oil. Last week, Ontario issued a compliance order to Ineos, requiring the development of a plan to prevent, reduce, and eliminate wastewater discharge of benzene. The company was also ordered to implement procedures to notify the public of benzene concentrations in the air exceeding certain thresholds and take action to prevent other sources of benzene discharge. The ongoing issue of high benzene emissions highlights the need for stronger monitoring and regulation in the petrochemical industry to protect the health and safety of nearby communities.
The actions taken by the Ministry of the Environment in suspending the facility’s Environmental Compliance Approval demonstrate a commitment to addressing environmental and health concerns related to high benzene emissions. By requiring the facility to meet specific conditions and implement a comprehensive monitoring and notification plan, the ministry aims to ensure that the sources of emissions are identified and addressed before operations can resume. The ongoing advocacy by the Aamjiwnaang First Nation for stronger monitoring and regulations reflects the importance of protecting the health and well-being of communities near industrial facilities. Continued oversight by the ministry will be crucial in ensuring that the company complies with the necessary requirements to prevent future environmental and health risks.
The suspension of the Ineos Styrolution facility’s Environmental Compliance Approval serves as a reminder of the importance of strict regulations and monitoring in the petrochemical industry to prevent harmful emissions and protect public health. The ministry’s decision to take action against ongoing high benzene emissions reflects a commitment to upholding environmental standards and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. Moving forward, it will be essential for the company to address the causes of emissions and implement measures to prevent future incidents. By working together with regulatory agencies and local communities, the petrochemical industry can strive to minimize its environmental impact and prioritize the health and well-being of all residents.
