In recent weeks, opposition to Indiana's plan to exempt British Petroleum (BP) from some environmental regulations has increased. With the exemptions awarded by the Indiana state government, BP could significantly increase the amount of ammonia and industrial sludge that it is allowed to dump into Lake Michigan. Under the permit granted by Indiana, BP can now release 54% more ammonia and 35% more sludge into Lake Michigan.
Last week, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the decision by regulators in Indiana. The resolution further asks Indiana to reconsider the permit and directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent the dumping of chemicals and pollutants. The House resolution was drafted by Grand Rapids area Congressman Vern Ehlers, who said in a statement that "the increases in discharge permitted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management are not consistent with the regional goal of keeping the Great Lakes clean and healthy for everyone." The EPA has said that the permit is within federal pollution guidelines and has thus far said that the agency will not challenge it. Michigan Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow have sent a letter to the EPA asking EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson to assure them that the permit was reviewed as required by the Clean Water Act. A resolution similar to the one passed by the House is also expected to be put forth in the Senate.
There has also been considerable outcry about the proposal by individuals and entities outside of the political establishment. Environment Michigan has launched an online petition directed at EPA Region 5 Administrator Mary urging her to revoke the permits granted to BP. Additionally, YouTube videos are being used by bloggers and progressive activists opposed to the plan.
Here is a response BP's very "creative" PR dept. made to my email:
The following inquiry was submitted to BP U.S. on 07/27/07 14:40
(71612):
From : bp usa3
Date : 07/27/07 16:02
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the recent news
and discussions about BP’s Whiting refinery. We feel that some
inaccurate media accounts, misleading statements, and false accusations
have caused unnecessary concern in the community. Thank you for
allowing us this opportunity to set the record straight.
Outrageous Claims
Most disturbing is the notion that we dump sludge or toxic waste into
Lake Michigan. We are seriously concerned and offended by this false
accusation. We assure you that the refinery does not, and will not,
dump sludge or toxic waste streams into Lake Michigan.
The water we return to the lake is just that â€" water. It has been
treated at our lakefront facility and is more than 99.9 percent pure.
This process is monitored carefully by the Indiana Department of
Environmental Management (IDEM).
Permit Renewal
In the recent renewal of our permit, we asked for and received some
changes from IDEM. These changes were needed so we could move forward
with a project to upgrade the refinery that will be tremendously
important for the future of the refinery and fuel supplies in the
Midwest.
What changes did IDEM make? There are 23 constituents regulated in the
permit for treated wastewater. Of those, only two -- ammonia and total
suspended solids (TSS) -- are increased over the levels allowed in our
old permit.
The adjusted level for ammonia is still just half of what’s allowed
under guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. The adjusted level for TSS (which is not “sludge�) is now
equal to EPA’s guidelines.
Our Refinery Upgrade
The BP Whiting refinery currently relies on heavy crude oil from Canada
for about 30 percent of its feed stock. We plan to invest more than $3
billion to upgrade processing capability at the facility, boosting that
proportion to about 90 percent heavy Canadian crude.
This project accomplishes three main objectives:
• Provides the U.S. Midwest with a reliable, secure and sustainable
supply of crude oil
• Potentially increases output of gasoline and diesel fuel by about 15
percent
• Ensures the future viability of the Whiting refinery with sustainable
jobs for Illinois and Indiana residents
Misleading Information
Some of the discussions have included the quantities of ammonia or TSS
that would be allowed to go into the lake. It’s important to note that
these stated quantities are the maximum amounts allowed under the
permit. Even then, these quantities would be safe for the lake and the
human and aquatic life it supports. What’s misleading about all this
is the information that’s left out. The discussions fail to mention
that our wastewater treatment plant typically and historically operates
well below those permit limits.
What’s also left out is that our project to upgrade the refinery
includes about $150 million to enhance wastewater treatment capability
at the refinery to ensure continued operation in compliance with all
applicable laws. BP has implemented best practices for water reuse and
reduction company-wide and is committed to the use of technology that
will help lessen the impact our operations have on the environment.
In Public View
None of BP’s activity was done in secret. Throughout the permit
renewal process, we worked openly and closely with US EPA, IDEM, and
state and local officials. BP also engaged directly with various local
environmental interests.
All state and federal requirements were met, all business was conducted
in a transparent manner, and the entire process was overseen by
regulators whose mission it is to ensure the protection of human and
aquatic life. The process included a 60-day public comment period,
which included a public meeting hosted by IDEM at Whiting City Hall and
attended by area residents, elected officials, as well as
representatives from local interest groups.
Our Presence and Commitment
In closing, the BP Whiting refinery provides jobs for some 1,700 BP
employees and hundreds of contract workers. The modernization project
will help ensure that those jobs remain in the heart of the Great Lakes
region, while creating about 80 new full-time positions and up to 2,000
contract positions during peak construction.
We are committed to ongoing environmental stewardship and safe
operations. We welcome an open dialogue in all matters.
More Information
We hope this addresses your questions or concerns. For more
information, please check out our website dedicated to this issue:
http://whiting.bp.com.
Regards,
bp.com/us
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From : SS
Date : 07/27/07 14:40
London fwd
Shame on you for your plans to increase dumping toxic sludge into Lake
Michigan. You should be seeking ways to reduce your impact on one of
the earth's most amazing sources of fresh water rather than twisting
political arms to make more of a mess of our world.
there's no excuse to poison our future.