GATINEAU, QC, May 17, 2024
/CNW/ - Minister Guilbeault issued an Interim Order to the
petrochemical industry in Sarnia,
Ontario, responding to the significant danger to human
health of volatile organic compounds, including benzene,
originating from these facilities.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Sarnia have experienced poor air quality
conditions that have spiked in recent months, according to
monitoring done by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the
Province of Ontario, and
Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The high levels of toxic air pollution
led to the closure of the Aamjiwnaang's Band Office and community
services buildings, including their daycare and resource centre.
The situation can lead to a variety of serious health issues for
local residents and merits an immediate response to protect the
community.
This is why Minister Guilbeault has published an Interim Order
under existing authorities in the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act. These efforts are also consistent with
Canada's commitments in relation
to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples.
The Order requires that petrochemical production facilities in
Sarnia with fenceline
concentrations of benzene above 29 micrograms per cubic metre
(μg/m3) measured in any of the two-week sampling periods beginning
on March 1, 2023, and ending on
February 29, 2024, at any sampling
location established in accordance with Ontario regulations implement vapour-control
measures, including fully closed vent systems with vapour control
on certain storage tanks that store benzene. The Order will be in
effect for 14 days, pending Governor in Council approval, which
would extend the Order for up to two years. The Order is
complementary to the Government of Ontario's efforts to reduce benzene pollution
in Sarnia. The Aamjiwnaang First
Nation community, which is bordered by Sarnia's refinery and petrochemical district,
will directly benefit from this Order, which will reduce benzene
emissions and their accompanying health impacts.
The Government of Canada is
also releasing a "what we heard" public consultation update on the
proposed Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds
(Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations
that informed the Interim Order. The government thoroughly
consulted with Aamjiwnaang First Nation, other Indigenous peoples,
industry, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders in
drafting these regulations. These proposed Regulations are
designed to further reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds,
including benzene, from the petroleum and petrochemical industry in
Canada. The Government of
Canada is now working to finalize
the Regulations in the months ahead. Once finalized, the
Regulations would apply to terminals, refineries, upgraders,
petrochemical facilities, and bulk fuel facilities that store
volatile petroleum liquids in tanks that meet or exceed a specified
capacity or load and unload volatile petroleum liquids that exceed
a specified daily or annual quantity. The Regulations would set a
timeline to install abatement equipment and would also further
reduce air pollution from hundreds of sources across Canada.
Quotes
"It is simply unacceptable that the people of Aamjiwnaang First
Nation and Sarnia face ongoing
issues with poor air quality. Indigenous peoples have a right to a
healthy environment and too often are impacted by polluting
industries. Protecting clean air, clean water, and the health of
Canadians should be the priority for every order of government in
Canada. I truly appreciate the
Government of Ontario's actions to
address this situation to date. Now, based on the air quality data
and lack of action by industry to address their pollution, I am
using the powers provided by the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act to advance environmental justice in this
community."
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of
Environment and Climate Change
"Everyone across Canada
deserves safe air quality no matter where they live. This Interim
Order will support work to preserve air quality and protect human
health, especially for Aamjiwnaang First Nation. We will continue
to support the community through benzene level assessments to
evaluate potential health risks from exposure, and through strong
regulations and safety measures to mitigate harmful air
pollution."
– The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
"Aamjiwnaang acknowledges and supports the announcement of the
Interim Order issued by the federal government. Our Environment
Committee, Environment Department, Council and Chief, and the
citizens of Aamjiwnaang, for whom we have been advocating, are
appreciative of the collaboration between the federal government
and Aamjiwnaang to uphold our treaty and inherent rights.
Aamjiwnaang is confident that this Order will not only add to the
protection of the air quality in Aamjiwnaang, but also relieve the
burden placed upon the air shed in the Sarnia–Lambton area."
– Aamjiwnaang First Nation's Chief and Council
"Too often, First Nations unfairly have to deal with the impact
of pollution and contamination. When people's health is on the
line, we have a collective responsibility to take action. This
responsibility includes all levels of government and the private
sector. The federal government is at the First Nation's side,
working in true partnership with its leadership, so that all of the
community's members are safe, healthy, and are treated
equally."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services
Quick facts
- Aamjiwnaang First Nation is exposed to benzene levels above the
acceptable level of risk for developing cancer, and the levels of
benzene have been steadily trending upwards over previous years.
The recent spikes earlier this year have significantly increased
the risk to this community, and immediate action must be taken.
Some volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, are carcinogenic.
They also contribute to air pollution that causes worsening of
respiratory symptoms, development of disease, and premature death.
Long-term exposure to benzene can cause cancer. Exposure levels are
higher in communities near large emission sources, including
Indigenous and low-income communities already facing increased
health burdens.
- In the lead up to the Interim Order, various federal
departments have responded to requests from the Aamjiwnaang First
Nation to address the situation. Health Canada experts visited the site to take air
quality samples that were analyzed for benzene, and then shared the
results with Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Indigenous Services Canada
has engaged their Health Emergency Management team to work directly
with the First Nation.
- The Government of Canada is
taking action that is complementary to steps already announced by
the Province of Ontario to
immediately address benzene emissions impacting the health of the
community. We support the Government of Ontario's efforts to limit harmful air
pollutants. Engagement with Aamjiwnaang First Nation and other
Indigenous communities helped to inform the development of the
proposed regulations and today's Interim Order. The Reduction in
the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds Regulations (Petroleum
Sector) were finalized in 2020 and are in force and helping to
reduce volatile organic compounds emissions from petroleum
refineries, upgraders, and integrated petrochemical facilities. The
Government published proposed strengthened regulations last
February. The proposed regulations and the Interim Order build on
these existing Regulations by targeting new sources of
emissions from the petrochemical facilities.
- The new requirements in the Interim Order are already in place
for similar facilities in the United
States and are not expected to hurt Canada's competitiveness.
- Benzene is a known human carcinogen (able to cause cancer).
Long-term lifetime exposure to benzene can affect the blood and is
associated with an increased risk of developing cancer (for example
leukemia) and other adverse health effects, including blood
diseases and reduced immune functions.
Related products
- Backgrounder: Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic
Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Draft
Regulations
Associated links
- Interim Order
- Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds
Regulations
- Report: Benzene Releases from Gasoline Stations –
Implications for Human Health
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada