Testing in St. Clair, Sarnia to begin this summer

Heather Wright/The Independent

Federal environmental researchers are starting a five-year study of air quality near refineries and petrochemical plants and Sarnia-Lambton will be the first region under the microscope.

Researchers from the Earth System Research and Integration Division of the Ministry of Environment and Climate change explained the project in a letter to St. Clair Township council. They were looking for an exemption to bring their mobile testing unit on roads with load restrictions.

“The first campaign for this multi-year, Canada-wide study targets the Sarnia and Lambton County area, including the Aamjiwnaang First Nation,” said Research Scientists Sumi Wren and John Liggio in their letter to St. Clair council.

“We are planning to conduct a study to measure air pollutant and greenhouse gas levels near refineries, petrochemical plants, and other industries using a mobile lab,” they wrote adding. The lab will be in motion as the tests are done over a course of two weeks in either June or July.

“We are particularly focused on measuring organic compounds which include toxic organic compounds such as benzene and xylene, but also hundreds of others,” said Wren and Liggio. They’ll also be studying ozone and nitrogen oxides, key components of smog, contributing to poor air quality. 

“Our measurements will help inform downwind communities about the identities and quantities of air pollutants that have potential health impacts and provide a more complete picture of the chemical mixture that is present in the air in those communities,” the letter says.

Pollution levels have long been a concern in the area.

And the Aamjiwnaang First Nation has long been at the forefront of the pursuit of environmental justice. A long-awaited study released in 2023 confirmed elevated airborne concentrations of cancer-causing benzene and sulphur dioxide exposure are increasing health risks for residents; and last year, a state-of-emergency was issued for the community after reports of elevated benzene levels prompted evacuations and sent residents to hospital. Nearby INEOS Styrolutions eventually announced the permanent closure of its Sarnia plant.

That led the community, led by Chief Janelle Nahmabin, to call for the Ontario government to act to address the impact of sulphur dioxide and take action on the Sarnia Area Environmental Health study.

In February, Aamjiwnaang and the federal government signed an agreement as part of a broader effort to develop a national strategy on environmental racism through Bill C226 — Canada’s first environmental justice bill.

It acknowledges that a disproportionate number of people who live in environmentally hazardous areas are members of Indigenous, racialized or other marginalized communities. Federal officials were not able to answer whether the study beginning in the region is part of that agreement by our deadline.

The researchers heading to Sarnia and St. Clair Township  say their key targets include three NOVA chemical plants in Corunna, Moore and on Rokeby Line, CF Industries in Courtright, Enbridge Gas and Clean Harbours on Petrolia Line.

“We believe the mobile measurements and the ensuing analysis will be of benefit to your community.”