Leaders of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation are evacuating residents between Churchill Road and Tashmoo Ave after high levels of benzene have been detected in the area.

Just before noon Friday, INEOS Styrolutions issued a notice saying hourly benzene emissions have been detected about 0.021 parts per million. The company is decommissioning the plant which is within eyesight of Aamjiwnaang’s band office. “There is no expected impact on the community,” officials said. “We appreciate the community’s patience throughout a challenging decommissioning period and can verify the process is now complete.”

However the band council issued an evacuation notice just after noon, advising members of the community to leave the area. Readings at the monitors near the sports centre were particularly high.

“We are advising that community members exercise caution in avoiding this area between Churchill Road,” said the notice. “We have deployed an additional mobile monitor to this area and (will) determine if an additional evacuation is required.”

Yesterday, the band office, church, ball diamond and playground were closed because of the high benzene levels.