The federal government is accusing BP of emitting nearly 16 times the amount of cancer-causing benzene last year as allowed under the Clean Air Act from its oil refinery along Lake Michigan.
The Environmental Protection Agency alleges that from 2003 through 2008, BP failed to properly manage and treat benzene waste at its Whiting refinery. BP spokesman Scott Dean said Tuesday the company discovered the problem itself and reported the possible violations to the EPA.
A problem at the facility's wastewater treatment plant was to blame and already has been fixed, Dean said. The volumes of the estimated emissions were small and did not represent a danger to public health or the environment, he said.
"It's another important reason why we're modernizing this 120-year-old refinery," Dean said. "The modernization effort includes $1.4 billion in environmental improvements that will further enhance the performance of the wastewater treatment plant."
BP was notified on May 18 about the alleged violation and has the option of requesting a conference with regulators within 30 days. According to the EPA, BP can then present information on the alleged violations and what steps have been taken.
The EPA said benzene exposure can cause dizziness and lightheadedness; eye, nose and throat irritation; upset stomach and vomiting; irregular heartbeat; convulsions and death. Ecological effects include death in exposed animal, bird and fish populations and death or reduced growth rate in plant life.
