Imperial probes Sarnia benzene leak
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 |
CBC News
Police in Sarnia have lifted a shelter order for parts of the city that began after a benzene leak at the Imperial Oil facility there.
The Imperial Oil refinery in Sarnia, Ont., seen here after an explosion on Dec. 14. 2006, has 'well-defined plans and emergency-response capabilities in place,' according to its website.The Imperial Oil refinery in Sarnia, Ont., seen here after an explosion on Dec. 14. 2006, has 'well-defined plans and emergency-response capabilities in place,' according to its website. (Dave Chidley/Canadian Press)
Traffic stops that were put in place earlier in the day have been removed, Const. Bill Baines told CBC News Tuesday afternoon.
Police had issued a shelter-in-place order for residents living between St. Andrew's Street and Devine Street, and between the St. Clair River east to Mitton Street.
"We've asked people within those boundaries to remain inside, close doors, windows, shut off furnaces, air conditioners, air intakes," Baines said earlier.
Police set up road blocks at four intersections:
* St. Park Way and Lasalle Road.
* Highway 40 and Lasalle Road.
* Vidal Street and Confederation Street.
* Christina Street and Confederation Street.
The leak occurred at approximately 1 p.m. ET, when "a material containing benzene" leaked from a tank at Imperial, according to Imperial Oil spokesman Jon Harding.
Imperial Oil will investigate the cause of and response to the leak, Harding said.
Imperial personnel managed to stop the leak, he said, but not before benzene vapours were released into the air.
"Crews onsite have been using foam to keep down any vapours and in this case it's the vapours we're concerned about," Const. Baines said.
Benzene is a colourless, cancer-causing, volatile liquid found in petroleum, according to the Canadian Oxford Dictionary.
The Sarnia Manufacturing Plant manufactures integrated fuels, lubricating oil and chemicals. It is capable of refining 119,000 barrels of crude oil a day.
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http://www.cbc.ca/canada/windsor/story/2009/10/06/sarnia-imperial-leak-0...
