INEOS Styrolution is emptying its on-site benzene tank this week as part of an ongoing benzene removal plan at its Sarnia facility, according to a notification issued through Sarnia-Lambton Alerts on May 5.
The activity marks the start of Part B of the company’s benzene removal plan, which also includes the transfer of benzene via pipeline (Part A), launched in April. “INEOS Styrolution would like to notify the public and its industrial neighbours that we will begin benzene transfers via pipeline (Part A of the MECP approved benzene removal plan) and final emptying of the benzene tank (Part B of the MECP approved benzene removal plan) this week,” the company stated.
Benzene is a volatile organic compound used in petrochemical processing and manufacturing. It is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is listed as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. According to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, long-term exposure to benzene can damage bone marrow and increase the risk of blood cancers such as leukemia. Health Canada states that short-term exposure to high levels may cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or drowsiness.
As part of the tank removal, emissions controls are in place. The company stated that “environmental modelling has confirmed there is no anticipated off-site impact above local targets and regulatory limits,” but acknowledged “there is the potential for increased emissions.”
In the same May 5 notification, INEOS Styrolution reported that on-site monitoring had detected benzene levels exceeding a threshold. “Hourly benzene emissions on-site have been detected above 0.021 parts-per million (67.5 µg/m³),” the company stated, adding that “monitoring data is being verified and the source(s) of elevated emissions are being actively investigated.”
The company previously launched the first phase of the plan on April 9, when it began pipeline transfers and stated: “Extensive environmental modeling confirmed there is no anticipated off-site increase in benzene emissions resulting from this transfer.”
Handheld monitoring has been increased during this phase of the plan. INEOS stated it will “investigate any potential sources of unexpected benzene emissions and communicate additional information as required.” It also noted that it is not the only potential source of benzene in the area.
Editor's note (May 7, 2025):
This article references a May 5 notification issued by INEOS Styrolution through the Sarnia-Lambton Alerts system, which stated: “Hourly benzene emissions on-site have been detected above 0.021 parts-per million (67.5 µg/m³).”
On May 6, INEOS Styrolution issued a correction, stating that this notification was sent in error due to a “messaging system issue,” and that no emissions at the Sarnia site exceeded 0.021 ppm on May 5.
However, a subsequent message issued by INEOS on May 7 again included the statement: “Hourly benzene emissions on-site have been detected above 0.021 parts-per million (67.5 µg/m³).”
As of publication, INEOS has not clarified this apparent contradiction.
The article text remains unchanged. This note has been added for transparency.
For real-time community air monitoring data, visit www.cleanairsarniaandarea.com
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