Update on Interim Order to reduce benzene emissions in Sarnia

From: Environment and Climate Change Canada

July 18, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

On May 17, 2024, the Government of Canada took specific action to help ensure the protection of public health and safety in the Sarnia area. The Interim Order signed by Minister Guilbeault immediately applied certain requirements from the draft Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds Regulations to certain petrochemical facilities in the Sarnia region.

Recently, Environment and Climate Change Canada received four applications for the approval of as many alternative compliance plans from a company in Sarnia, Ontario, in response to the Interim Order. The Interim Order allows facilities to comply through alternative compliance plans in order to mitigate significant risks to safety or human health that could arise from executing the necessary work within the timelines required in the Order.

After an extensive review, the department has concluded that the company’s applications meet all the requirements for alternative compliance plans set out in subsection 20(3) of the Interim Order and as such, Minister Guilbeault has approved the alternative compliance plan applications. The extended compliance timeline allowed under the plans will minimize the risk of exposure to benzene emissions for workers performing remediation work as well as for Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the local community.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has also engaged the Aamjiwnaang First Nation during the review of the applications.

The company is required to complete all abatement activities required under the Interim Order within 90 days of communicating approval of the plans to the company.

The Interim Order remains in place and the company is expected to comply and meet all its environmental obligations.

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
media@ec.gc.ca