OTTAWA — The owners of a Sarnia, Ont., plastics plant that has been emitting dangerous levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene for years say they need more time to comply with tougher federal rules.

In mid-May, Environment Canada set out new air quality standards in the Sarnia area in a move targeted at Ineos Styrolution.

The order signed by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault would affect any plant that had levels of benzene pollution above 29 micrograms per cubic metre of air between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024.