Though IDEM said the meeting was canceled because the School City of East Chicago didn't want the media to attend, the district said it was because members of the public tried to force their way in and that IDEM didn't provide adequate security for the meeting.

Tank leaks at BPs Whiting Refinery in northwest Indiana sent toxic pollution into the air in the past two weeks. Residents reported headaches, dizziness and general malaise.

According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the flaring released high amounts of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide into the air. Both chemicals can harm your lungs and make breathing difficult, among other things.

Power outages disrupted operations at the Whiting Refinery causing unplanned gas flaring. Thats where excess natural gas produced during oil refining is burned off into the atmosphere.