The next phase of the removal process of benzene from the INEOS Styrolution plant is set to begin shortly and with that a community meeting took place Wednesday to discuss measures and concerns within the community.
“We wanted to communicate the plan B of the plan that INEOS had provided to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation,” says Chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation Janelle Nahmabin.
“I feel like we're doing a great job on our end communicating with the members of our community. We are anticipating as a precaution, we will be doing a partial evacuation in our community...We've had high levels of benzene in the past and being aware about anticipated higher levels. Not drastic, but enough for our 27th threshold.”
When benzene levels have reached 27 micrograms per cubic metre of air it has been standard procedure for buildings like the band office to close temporarily. Members of the community fell ill back in April after high levels of benzene were reported, with a state of emergency being declared later that month.
Nahmabin was concerned the second phase would cause another instance of elevated levels of the chemical and the evacuation is just a precautionary measure.
“So our band operations will be closed on the Thursday and the Friday of the first week of October,” explains Nahmabin.
“It will be the usual spots that we have closed when we have high numbers. So like our admin, our band office, and then we also have our environment department, as well as our child and family well-being building, as well as our education building, our public works department, our playground, baseball diamond, basketball court, that's in the first part of it all. But then the initial zones are going to be from like our band office moving down to Christopher.”
With this just being one small area to be mindful of, and with other areas in the community that could be included in an expanded emergency plan, Nahmabin is appreciative of Sarnia Fire Chief Jeff Weber and his work on this project.
“It's been nice to come together in a good way to work on our plan together,” says Nahmabin.
INEOS announced in June it was permanently closing the Sarnia site by June of 2026, with the company starting to remove benzene by pipeline in September. When asked how things have been going, Nahmabin says all parties have been open to communicating, which has made things easier.
“It feels better to be in a place of being proactive rather than continuously being reactive,” explains Nahmabin.
And communication between the band office and the community will continue as progress is made in closing the plant, she added.
The Journal contacted INEOS for comment but didn't hear back by deadline.