BP Correcting Misinterpretation of Facts

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune about a BP Factory in Whiting, Indiana was released that claims that the massive BP oil refinery in Whiting, Ind., is planning to dump significantly more ammonia and industrial sludge into Lake Michigan, running counter to years of efforts to clean up the Great Lakes.

To debunk the reports, BP has went on a campaign to clear their name and make sure that everyone has the real facts of this case. Quite a difficult project I would guess based on the average auto owner's opinion of gas companies.

To be fair and accurate though it is important to make sure that the correct information is out there so that as many people as possible get the right idea.

A few of the main points of fact from the BP website are listed below with the explanations. To find more in depth coverage of this visit the BP Whiting Refinery Fact Sheet.

Only treated water into Lake Michigan:

What is released from our refinery is treated water that is more than 99.9% water - not sludge. All sludge is treated separately, according to state and federal requirements, and never discharged into Lake Michigan.

Well within legal limits

A new water discharge permit allows the refinery's average ammonia discharge to increase, but at levels that will still be less than half of those that federal environmental guidelines could allow.

No harm to people or the environment

We follow state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines that protect aquatic and human life.