BP Whiting

The Whiting Refinery has had several serious maintenance issues within just the past few weeks. That includes two tank leaks and a power outage that released excess pollution and forced employees to evacuate.

Statewide

Residents frustrated by last-minute cancellation of meeting on BP's Whiting Refinery

Rebecca Thiele

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.

BP said it has contained the leaks at its Whiting Refinery and that the air monitors haven’t shown elevated readings.

Statewide

Toxic leaks at BP's Whiting Refinery come as advocates push for stricter pollution control

Rebecca Thiele

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.

Last month, BP's Whiting Refinery received the largest federal penalty ever imposed for industrial air pollution in U.S. history.

Statewide

Harmful pollution from BP Whiting Refinery flares have dissipated, IDEM says

Rebecca Thiele

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.

BP's Whiting Refinery as seen from 129th Street, 2022.

Statewide

Sulfur smell covering northwest Indiana believed to be caused by BP Whiting Refinery

Rebecca Thiele

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.