Whiting refinery stabilized after odor release
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
An “unplanned flaring of gases” was the cause of a pungent odor that was released Sunday at the BP Whiting refinery. Officials told our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana that operations have been stabilized at the refinery.
Christina Audisho, BP America media relations manager, told the publication the refinery experienced an “operational disruption” due to weather conditions in the regional that triggered the flaring.
The incident led to odor complaints in numerous counties as far east as St. Joseph County.
“There have been no injuries reported; safety remains our highest priority,” said Audisho, who noted crews are on site to manage the situation.
Officials in Porter County told The Times they have found no other evidence of releases or spills in the region. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said it would have an inspector at the plant to investigate.
The incident comes just over a month after BP Products North America Inc. agreed to pay a $40 million penalty and install technology to control releases of benzene and other contaminants at the oil refinery and invest around $197 million in improvements.
