Canada's Aamjiwnaang First Nation has declared a state of emergency following the excessive release of harmful chemicals from the INEOS Styrolution plastic manufacturing plant. The Indigenous community, home to approximately 1,000 residents and surrounded by various industrial facilities, has long expressed concerns over environmental issues in the area.
The Frankfurt-based company received a compliance order from the provincial environment ministry on April 18 to investigate the cause of the benzene leak at its Ontario factory, which began earlier that month. In response, INEOS Styrolution shut down the facility on April 20 to conduct necessary maintenance. The Ontario government is collaborating with the First Nation to ensure the safety of the public during this period.
The state of emergency will remain in effect until benzene emissions are reduced to acceptable levels, according to Aamjiwnaang First Nation officials. Chief Christopher Plain announced the declaration in a Facebook post, emphasizing the need for additional resources to address the situation effectively.
Councilor Darren Henry reported that over ten individuals have sought medical attention in the past two weeks, exhibiting symptoms such as scratchy eyes, breathing difficulties, and headaches. These health concerns highlight the severe risks posed by the chemical discharges to the community.
The timing of the emergency declaration coincides with the United Nations plastics treaty talks in Ottawa, where thousands of delegates are working to combat rising plastic pollution globally. Janelle Nahmabin, a councilor and attendee of the talks, stated that the incident underscores the importance of including regulations on plastic production processes, including petroleum extraction, within the treaty. \"I'm hopeful that we, being here and being this unfortunate example, open the eyes of the decision makers in the room, as well as all global citizens,\" she said.
The situation in Aamjiwnaang serves as a critical example of the real-world impacts of industrial pollution and the urgent need for sustainable practices in the plastics industry.
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Canada's First Nation declares emergency due to chemicals emission
cgtn.com
