BP Indiana refinery causing air pollution – EPA

30 November 2007 05:10  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--US regulators on Thursday notified energy major BP of alleged violations of multiple Clean Air Act requirements at its Whiting, Indiana refinery.

 

The 399,990 bbl/day refinery failed to obtain a permit when it made major modifications to its fluidised catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, which caused “significant increases” of nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions, US' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said in a statement.

 

The refinery “violated New Source Performance Standards (NSPs) by modifying flares without complying with requirements, exceeding SO₂ emission limits, and failing to monitor emissions from several sources,” the EPA said.

 

The NSPS are national emission standards for new and modified industrial facilities that contribute significantly to air pollution.

 

BP’s refinery also failed to conduct timely performance tests of hydrogen chloride emissions from its catalytic reforming units, the agency said, adding that the company has 10 days to request a conference to discuss the violations.

 

BP officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

By: Jeanne Lim
+65 6780 4359

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