Statement released by bp 1/26/24:
bp is fully in action to clean up a recent leak from a storage tank at Whiting Refinery’s tank farm and mitigate any associated odors.

The leak remained within the containment area designed to safely capture material from the tanks in the event of a release. That area has been covered with plastic sheeting, which has helped to significantly reduce odors, and response teams are preparing to remove and safely dispose of contaminated material.

Air monitoring equipment was immediately deployed following the leak at multiple locations at the site and in the community. That monitoring has so far shown no elevated readings.

Contrary to news reports, there have been no data to indicate benzene or hydrogen sulfide vapors are coming from the cleanup site.

Air monitoring will continue until the response is completed, and bp will remain in close contact with state and local officials about the data, as we have throughout the response.

Separately, bp notified IDEM on Tuesday of a temporary release of liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, from an operating unit at the Whiting Refinery. The release, which was quickly isolated and stopped, did not trigger the threshold for notification to IDEM regarding the release of certain substances, and the refinery continues to operate normally. However, bp made the notification out of an abundance of caution.

bp remains committed to safe, compliant and reliable operations and to the safety of our people and of the surrounding community.

I am smelling gas and maybe smoke inside of my house in Coolidge Street.

bP Refinery experienced a power outage earlier this afternoon and shut down operations over the past couple of hours. Smoke was seen coming from their flares blowing East. The wind shifted over the past couple of hours causing smoke and odors to blow into Hammond. The plant is currently working on restoring plant operations back to normal. We recommend sheltering in place, keeping doors and windows closed until this blows through.