The group, who is “the voice of Canada’s $53 billion chemistry industry”, says they welcome the Ministry of Environment’s announcement of a comprehensive air quality and health impacts study for the Sarnia community.
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) officials say they have always been a strong advocate of such studies with both the Ontario and federal government.
“As Responsible Care® companies, CIAC members are firmly dedicated to the protection of human health and the environment,” stated Bob Masterson, CIAC President and CEO.
“We know that we are accountable to the public, especially local communities, who have the right to understand both the risks and benefits of what we do. We are also committed to dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders and recognize the Aamjiwnaang First Nation as a distinct component of the broader Sarnia community.”
The proposed study was announced by the Minister of Environment Chris Ballard after questions were raised about leaks and spills in Sarnia’s ‘Chemical Valley’ after a combined investigation into the issue by The Toronto Star, Global News, the National Observer and the journalism schools at Ryerson and Concordia.
The exposé questioned whether industrial companies and the provincial government are properly warning local residents, including those in Aamjiwnaang First Nation, when chemicals are leaked.
One of the chemicals in question is benzene, which is known to cause cancer at high levels of long-term exposure.
Read more, here: ‘Canada’s Toxic Secret’ exposé targets Chemical Valley
CIAC officials say benzene and Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) emissions are of special concern to their industry, regulators, and the Sarnia community.
CIAC Responsible Care member-companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Governments of Canada and Ontario in 1994 to reduce benzene emissions by 70 per cent before 2001.
Not only were those targets achieved, but today benzene releases from current operations are 97 per cent below 1994 levels, CIAC officials say.
Building on the success of that initiative, a similar MOU was established in 1997, calling for a 25 per cent reduction in VOC emissions by 2002.
Today, the industry’s VOC emissions are 75 per cent lower than in 1997, CIAC officials say.
During recent months, CIAC officials say their industry has been a full participant in several productive regulatory processes led by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, with a particular focus on air quality issues in the Sarnia community.
“Despite past progress, we understand that public attention is often focused on the environmental performance of our industry,” added Masterson.
“As has been the case for the past 30 years, we remain fully committed to continuous improvement in our performance and to productive engagement with all stakeholders.”
CIAC member-companies welcome the opportunity to support and fully participate in Minister Ballard’s proposed study.
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is the voice of Canada’s $53 billion chemistry industry and represents more than 50 members and partners across the country.
Members of CIAC are signatories to Responsible Care® – the Association’s U.N.-recognized sustainability initiative.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton told the Sydenham Current he was shocked to read and see the report.
“I don’t understand why the government didn’t move forward years ago with funding a study,” he said.
“I think it is important to put the people’s minds at ease if there are no issues, but if there are issues we need get them solved.”
McNaughton wrote a letter to Ballard recently, asking the government to expand the scope of the environmental and health impact study that has been proposed for the City of Sarnia to include the communities of Wallaceburg and Walpole Island First Nation.
Read more, here: MPP: Wallaceburg & Walpole should be included in study
