As of Friday, Canada mandates strict pollution control measures for petrochemical plants in Ontario following the release of cancer-causing chemical benzene, which prompted the First Nation community of Aamjiwnaang to declare a state of emergency.
Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault issued the order to the petrochemical industry in Sarnia, Ontario, a city less than 300 km (186 miles) west of Toronto.
Last month, Aamjiwnaang First Nation declared a state of emergency due to a chemical release from German company INEOS Styrolution’s plastic manufacturing plant, which resulted in at least 10 people visiting the hospital.
The order requires petrochemical production facilities to implement vapor-control measures. Specifically, facilities with benzene concentrations above 29 micrograms per cubic meter at the fenceline during any two-week sampling period between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, are affected.
These measures include installing fully closed vent systems with vapor control on specific benzene storage tanks. The Order is initially effective for 14 days, pending approval by the Governor in Council, which could extend its duration for up to two years.
This Order complements Ontario government initiatives aimed at reducing benzene pollution in Sarnia. The Aamjiwnaang First Nation community, located adjacent to Sarnia’s refinery and petrochemical district, will directly benefit from reduced benzene emissions and associated health risks as a result of this Order.
“It is simply unacceptable that the people of Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Sarnia face ongoing issues with poor air quality,” Guilbeault said in a statement. “Indigenous peoples have a right to a healthy environment and too often are impacted by polluting industries.”
Aamjiwnaang First Nation, with 1,000 residents, is surrounded by industrial facilities. INEOS Styrolution had shut down its facility for maintenance on April 20.
The First Nation community welcomed the order, seeing it as a step towards protecting air quality in Aamjiwnaang.
“Aamjiwnaang acknowledges and supports the announcement of the Interim Order issued by the federal government. Our Environment Committee, Environment Department, Council and Chief, and the citizens of Aamjiwnaang, for whom we have been advocating, are appreciative of the collaboration between the federal government and Aamjiwnaang to uphold our treaty and inherent rights. Aamjiwnaang is confident that this Order will not only add to the protection of the air quality in Aamjiwnaang, but also relieve the burden placed upon the air shed in the Sarnia–Lambton area,” stated Aamjiwnaang First Nation’s Chief and Council
According to University of Toronto research, about 40% of Canada’s petrochemical plants are located in the Sarnia area, known as “Chemical Valley.”