EPA orders more tests on expansion of BP refinery

WHITING, Ind. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is ordering Indiana to conduct more tests before signing off on a major expansion of BP's Whiting refinery.

The EPA told Indiana regulators today they must conduct a new analysis of air emissions and rewrite the air permit for the expansion, which would overhaul the Midwest's largest oil refinery to process more heavy Canadian crude. Environmentalists say the permit didn't accurately account for air
pollution increases that could be created by the refinery's $3.8
billion expansion. The EPA said it agreed with some of those
concerns.

Among other things, the EPA wants Indiana officials to re-examine
emissions from tall chimney-like structures that would burn off wastes.

BP's expansion of the refinery on Lake Michigan about 20 miles
southeast of downtown Chicago will make the plant a top processor of
heavy high-sulfur Canadian crude oil.

-- Associated Press

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