EPA upholds BP permit

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BY ANDREA HOLECEK
holecek@nwitimes.com
219.933.3316 | Tuesday, June 24, 2008 | (13 comment(s))

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued the final air permit for the BP Whiting Refinery's $3.8 billion expansion project.

The permit, which will allow significant modifications to the refinery's air permit, was issued June 16, the day after the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed review period of the operating permit ended without the federal agency raising any objections.

In a letter to IDEM dated June 13, the chief of EPA Region 5 air permits section, says the agency reviewed the proposed Title V operating permit and compared it to issues it had raised concerning the draft construction permit, as well as to issues raised by the public.

"As a result, EPA concludes that IDEM has adequately addressed the issues raised in our March 21, 2008 letter," states Pamela Blakely in the letter. "We have no further comments on the proposed Title V operating permit."

However, Blakely also noted that the permit may need to be reopened at a "future time to incorporate a compliance schedule" if the refinery is found to be guilty of violations alleged in the Notice of Violations the EPA issued in November 2007 concerning the refinery's air emissions.

BP spokesman Scott Dean said receiving the operating air permit is "good news" for the refinery.

"It's another major milestone in the project," he said Monday. "It's a very important project. This modernization will represent the single, largest private investment in Indiana history. It will create thousands of jobs and make more gasoline available for Midwest consumers from a North American source of crude oil."

When BP submitted the project's air permit application to IDEM in October, the agency split the refinery's request into two permits, a significant source modification that would allow the project's construction, and a significant permit modification -- the operating air permit.

IDEM issued BP its source modification permit on May 1, and construction began shortly afterwards.

Despite receiving the two air permits, there are still some legal issues involving the project "to be hashed out," Scott said Monday.

Environmentalists and environmental groups have filed three separate appeals to the source modification (construction) permit. The appeals will take at least a year to bring to trial before the Indiana Office of Environmental Adjudication, according to the environmental law judge handling the case and the attorneys involved.

"But we've begun construction and we're moving forward," Scott said. "And, we're confident this is a good project."

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whs wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:32 AM:

" Environmentalist nix refinery expansion and coal power plants.
Carter nixes nuclear. Clinton nixes ANWR. Congress nixes offshore drilling.
The Saudi's love you guys. You are doing a good job exporting American jobs. What economy? "

T wrote on Jun 24, 2008 3:46 PM:

" It's about time, let's get on with the project. Thanks to all the tree huggers for trying to get ride of all the jobs in the area. Nice going!!! "

CJ Dunnaway wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:37 PM:

" Congratulations. Let's continue raping the planet so you can have cheap gasoline. You deserve what you get - reap the benefits while you can. "

HEY G wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:33 PM:

" I knew it! You are a commie. Whats better Cuba, Russia, or China? You work for the government don't you or did? Hey all those cities you noted have been democrat ruled for the last 50 years-no wonder they are crap holes. "

Re G Davis wrote on Jun 24, 2008 1:45 PM:

" Sorry when I traveled there Last year that's what the price was.And I also seen how the former Soviet block states are trying hard to make their countries attractive to tourism. And I can honestly say they have come along way and some of the countries that I traveled thru are nicer than America. America has become like the former Soviet Union. Dirty,Crime ridden,ruined by shady political organizations. Mabye you should get out of the country more often. There is more out there than Gary.And by the way America slipped to # 6 in world standing. No more #1 thats for the Brainwashed Sheeple thinking! But at least we still have Detroit or St Louis or Gary! "

wrong again G Davis wrote on Jun 24, 2008 12:11 PM:

" Where do you come up with your lies-I love it when you commies show your true self. Per Wikipedia the average price of gas when converted to US dollar per gal is $3.97 on June 6, 2008 in Russia. And oh yeah Russia is so much better in protecting the environment correct? "

Jay wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:45 AM:

" Addicted wrote,"Sun and wind are free". This is absurd. No one can construct and operate wind turbines for free. Another point--- Wind turbines slow down air flow by subtracting kinetic energy from the air flow. What will be the impact on the environment when large numbers of wind turbines are put to use? Will it be a plus or perhaps a negative? I would think that all sincere environmentalists would want to know the answer to this question. I don't know if this was ever considered. "

G Davis wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:33 AM:

" I think it's great all you chumps get to live next door to the Cancer causer, And all without any benifits.Do you think Americas #5 most dishonest polluter will give a break on it's gas prices? NOT! They need you to make more profits for them and their Anti American goals. The Sheeple are so excited about showing that PCBs don't stop them from letting BP run roughshod over their backs! But THEIR getting the Perogi Festival how about where you live? And scammers from BP are going to open the festival.SO there! But Gas is still 66 cents a Gallon in Russia. And they don't have BP. "

YES YES YES wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:29 AM:

" This is great news!!! Hey all wet hen Bp has offices here and in Chicago. Hey Addicted Bp is investing in wind and sun power-if you did just a tiny amount of research instead of complaining you would know that and no wind and sun are not free. "

Addicted wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:06 AM:

" BP is the pusherman! Until we have an alternative to oil and coal, oil and coal will remain the oppressive force they are today. Sun and wind are free yet we can't sell the power we generate from these options for the same amount we can sell power generated from coal and oil! That is the reason we remain under their control! "

Wet Hen wrote on Jun 24, 2008 6:07 AM:

" So IDEM thinks the added pollution is OK
Good, let them move their offices next door
And why aren't BP's main offices in this area as well "

Gregg wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:08 AM:

" On with the project.Thanks to ALL involved. "

nwi girl wrote on Jun 24, 2008 1:38 AM:

" Let the complaining begin. "

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