Since April 2024, INEOS Styrolution, the Aamjiwnaang First Nation (AFN), and regulatory authorities have worked together to address the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) orders, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Federal Orders, and the Benzene Regulation (O. Reg. 206/24). These discussions have involved collaboration among technical, operational, and business personnel, supported by expert input from all parties.
After extensive consultation, INEOS Styrolution submitted a detailed Suspension Plan, including winterization measures, which received approval from the MECP Director on August 14, 2024. The plan was developed in collaboration with the AFN, MECP and ECCC and aligned with their requirements. The plan will now be implemented, including regular communication with the AFN, community, and regulatory authorities on benzene emissions.
Through cooperative efforts, INEOS Styrolution, MECP, and the AFN have significantly reduced the contested issues in the INEOS Styrolution Canada Ltd. v Ontario OLT appeal, leading to an agreement to adjourn the appeal.
INEOS must now implement the suspension plan agreed by the MECP within the deadline set by the ECCC despite raising concern that modelling based on the plan clearly shows that there is likely to be elevated benzene emissions during destocking. INEOS Styrolution shared this modelling with MECP, the AFN, and ECCC, along with an alternative plan proposing additional time to install abatement technology to mitigate emissions and remain below the new limits — urging safety over speed. Despite this, the ECCC rejected the alternative plan, maintaining the October 16, 2024, deadline for destocking site inventory.
While INEOS Styrolution remains committed to compliance, as a responsible and safety-focused operator, we are compelled to proceed under the ECCC’s imposed deadline and continue to work with the MECP to ensure full compliance with its ruling.
Work is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2024 to complete before the 16 October deadline. Information about our plans, as well as near-real time benzene monitoring data from the monitoring systems can be found on our website ineossarnia.com.
About INEOS Styrolution
INEOS Styrolution is the world’s leading styrenics supplier, with a high-performing portfolio of styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS and advanced styrenic products. With more than 90 years of innovation in materials science, INEOS Styrolution is focused on customer satisfaction with differentiated solutions that provide a competitive edge as well as investments in technology that enable closed loop recyclability for styrenics while reducing our carbon emissions. INEOS Styrolution applications can be found in many everyday products across multiple industries: including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, packaging, and toys/sports. Operating 17 production sites in nine countries, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of INEOS Group Limited and employs approximately 3,000 people. Sales were 4.5 billion euros in 2023. www.ineos-styrolution.com
About Sarnia Site
The Sarnia styrene facility was built by the Canadian Polymer Crown company in 1943 with a capacity of 50 MMlbs/yr. Over the years, the site continued to expand its footprint under different ownership structures to ultimately be wholly owned by INEOS in 2014. The site has a nameplate capacity of 430kta of styrene monomer and employs ~80 employees and a large number of contractors.
Media Contact (EMEA / APAC)
Dr. Ralf Leinemann
ralf.leinemann@ineos.com +49 69 509550-1366
Media Contact (AMERICAS)
April Ludwikowski
april.ludwikowski@ineos.com 1-331-212-5757