The owners of a Sarnia, Ontario, plastics plant ask for more time to meet new federal regulations on benzene emissions, citing safety concerns.
Sarah Ritchie reports for The Canadian Press.
In short:
- Environment Canada set new air quality standards for the Sarnia area, targeting the Ineos Styrolution plant for high benzene levels.
- The Ineos plant was shut down in April after a significant spike in benzene emissions, peaking at 115 micrograms per cubic meter.
- Ineos states it needs more time to safely destock benzene and comply with new regulations without increasing emissions.
Key quote:
"Safety, not speed, must be the primary consideration."
— Brian Lucas, Ineos representative
Why this matters:
Prolonged exposure to benzene is linked to cancer, posing health risks to local communities, particularly around the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The updated regulations are part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to address air quality and public health concerns.
