Representatives from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, the Society of First Nations, and Keepers of the Water held a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 24, to highligh the disproportionate impacts of plastics pollution on front-line Indigenous communities.
As Aamjiwnaang First Nation deals with benzene emissions in the Sarnia, Ont., area making members sick, the small Ontario First Nation is pushing for seat in global plastics treaty negotiations underway in Ottawa. Janelle Nahmabin choked back tears as she outlined how benzene emissions in the Sarnia, Ont., area are making members of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation sick.
" affects us every single day. We can't get away from it. You know, we've had to close our facilities down in that north portion to protect our employees," Nahmabin said. "Without my consent, without my permission, they are there. They're allowed to pollute our children, our elders, our community members," she said.from pollutant monitors in the region, multiple times this month, the air quality was recorded as poor and moderate from benzene levels.On Saturday, INEOS Styrolution announced it is temporarily shutting down for maintenance and to address a mechanical issue.
Bradley said it is the responsibility of the company to notify the Ministry of Environment, the city and others that are impacted by any sort of incident like this, adding, "that did not happen." "After that it goes to the Ministry of Environment. We rely on the provincial ministry to give us information. When we receive that information we immediately review it and determine whether an emergency notification is required," he said.
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