Benzene levels 424 times acceptable levels: Aamjiwnaang First Nation
The Aamjiwnaang First Nation near Sarnia says it has recorded benzene levels 424 times above acceptable levels coming from a nearby chemical plant.
They were taken on April 25 after several people got sick last month.
"The health-based standard for benzene is 0.45 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre). On April 25th, the new additional air monitor here shown a benzene reading of 191 ug/m3," said Coun. Janelle Nahmabin at a news conference Friday.
Ineos Styrolution denies any elevated levels. "We have reviewed all data for the period concerned and we can confirm that our monitors recorded no emissions outside our prescribed limits," read a company statement from Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of the Environment ordered the company to suspend production until the issue is resolved. "The company will be required to complete these actions and submit a start-up plan to the ministry for review before they can resume their normal operations," according to a statement from the province to CTV News.
Aamjiwnaang officials say they have not been included in the process by the ministry.
Earlier this week band members got a chance to meet with the company to discuss their concerns. They are asking for the immediate remediation of benzene emissions.
"We continue to advocate for recognition at the decision making tables because this is our home," said Nahmabin.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Wildfires are dampening against cool, rainy weather, but there's plenty left to contain
An opportune system of cool, wet weather Friday is dampening the spread of wildfires across Western Canada, but there's still plenty of work for responders and residents alike.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.