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
What weather experts say to expect this summer in Canada
Get ready to feel the heat, Canada. Weather experts are predicting more sunshine and warmer temperatures for the summer.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
P.E.I. kiteboarder 'lucky to be alive' after shark attack in Turks and Caicos
A professional kiteboarder from P.E.I. says he has been seriously injured in a shark attack that occurred while he was snorkelling in the Turks and Caicos Islands last week.
'Scandals and secrets': On board the world's most exclusive private residential ship
It’s a floating city exclusively home to the 1 per cent, a playground for multimillionaires and billionaires that circumnavigates the world's oceans.
Canada announces $11B for military aircraft training
Canada has announced an $11.2-billion contract to improve training platforms for the military, including the purchase of 70 training aircraft for the Future Aircrew Training program.
CNN Exclusive: A federal grand jury may soon hear from Sean 'Diddy' Combs' accusers
Federal investigators are preparing to bring accusers of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs before a federal grand jury, two sources familiar with the probe tell CNN — signaling the U.S. Justice Department is moving toward potentially seeking an indictment of Combs.
In bizarre provocation, North Korea flies trash, manure balloons over the South
North Korea flew hundreds of balloons carrying trash and manure toward South Korea in one of its most bizarre provocations against its rival in years, prompting the South’s military to mobilize chemical and explosive response teams to recover objects and debris in different parts of the country.
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi are married, says Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi has confirmed that his son, Jake, has married British actress Millie Bobby Brown at an intimate ceremony.
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.