Chemical plant shuts down after high benzene levels detected near Ontario First Nation [Video]

Days after high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were detected on the northern border of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, a chemical plant in Sarnia is shutting down.

INEOS Styrolution, a chemical manufacturer, told Global News in an email on Saturday that it has halted operations to perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue.

The company did not specify whether the shutdown is related to spikes in benzene levels detected last week, reaching 115 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) on April 16. Ontario’s Environment Ministry has set the annual average limit for benzene at 0.45 ug/m3.

Dozens of the First Nation’s residents reported feeling ill, and an unknown number were hospitalized.

“Ensuring the health and safety of our employees and community is paramount,” the company stated in the email to Global News, adding that operations will resume after it addresses the issue.

Multiple sources within the First Nation told Global News they were not aware of any planned shutdown scheduled for this …