BP: 'We share concerns about benzene'

By Gitte Laasby Post-Tribune staff writer

On June 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it had cited BP Whiting for environmental violations. For nearly six years, the refinery emitted cancer-causing benzene at its wastewater treatment plant without proper air pollution control equipment.
Under the Clean Air Act, BP is required to manage and treat benzene waste from its wastewater treatment plant. But not all emissions from the waste were controlled as required.
In 2008, BP totaled 95 tons of benzene waste — nearly 16 times the amount allowed, according to the EPA. Similar violations took place between 2003 and 2008.
BP self-disclosed the violations to the EPA in a required annual report for 2008 submitted on Feb. 10 this year. BP spokesman Scott Dean said BP discovered the problem when a third party audited the treatment plant in the fall as part of an effort to improve operations.
EPA's announcement led 19 congressional legislators from Great Lakes states to send a letter to EPA, demanding it investigate whether BP complies with its environmental permits.
The EPA is preparing a letter in response.

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