BP and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have both denied a potential leak at the refinery, despite claims online.
“We are not aware of any odors or leaks from our operations impacting the community,” a Wednesday BP statement said.
Multiple social media posts have claimed that the refinery had a fuel leak in the J&L Tank Field, specifically in the Save Whiting and Neighbors and BP Whiting Watch Facebook groups.
Facebook users who made the claims were unable to immediately comment Wednesday.
Users also cited U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air quality index statistics, which found that particulate matter counts were high at 5:10 p.m. Friday and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Particulate matter counts spiked at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, measuring at 177, which could have “serious health effects” on sensitive groups of people.
Those with heart or lung disease, people with diabetes, older adults and children are considered sensitive groups, according to the EPA website.
On April 26, the refinery’s flares went off after a “brief loss of electric power disrupted operations,” according to Post-Tribune archives. A BP spokesperson said the refinery “continuously monitors” air emissions, including during flaring. Officials report results to regulators “in compliance with its operating permit,” according to BP.
An IDEM spokesperson said afterwards that the agency was notified about the flaring, according to Post-Tribune archives.
United Steelworkers Local 7-1 alleged in a Tuesday news release that the refinery has experienced system “upsets” since replacement workers were hired to do union work, and BP has failed to inform the community of potential environmental dangers. Union workers have been locked out since March 17, and the parties are scheduled to return to negotiations on May 18.
“Our solidarity is our strength,” USW Local 7-1 President Eric Schultz said in a statement. “BP may believe it can stall, mislead the public, and wait us out, but our members remain united. Our continued resolve will eventually cause the company to bend.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
