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EPA reaches agreement with BP Whiting refinery

Release Date: 5/9/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA057

CHICAGO (May 9, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with BP Products North America Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's petroleum refinery at 2915 Indianapolis Blvd., Whiting, Ind. EPA assessed a $58,687 penalty.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that BP discharged more than twice as much lead and cadmium from its hazardous waste incinerator during a test in March 2004 than is allowed by the Clean Air Act.

The agreement also resolves a violation that BP reported to EPA after the company found that a corroded valve was causing a hazardous air pollutant to vent to the atmosphere rather than to a flare for burning. Self-disclosure is taken into consideration when penalties are assessed.

Excessive exposure to lead may cause anemia, kidney disease, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments such as seizures, mental retardation, and behavioral disorders. Children and the unborn are especially susceptible to low doses of lead.

Exposure to cadmium may cause damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver, immune and nervous systems and the blood. Long-term inhalation of cadmium can increase the risk of lung cancer.