Statement on Incident at BP Refinery in Whiting, Indiana

The City of Gary is aware of an incident at the BP Whiting Refinery that resulted in a cloud of dark smoke.

BP Whiting has shared with City officials that they are in the process of safely shutting down the refinery after a suspected power outage. Additionally, BP Whiting informed us that they had activated their emergency response team and evacuated the refinery office building.

We are encouraging the citizens of Gary who are experiencing respiratory health conditions to remain indoors and seek proper medical attention if necessary. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Citizens of Gary who are experiencing a nuisance odor may notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) using this link: IDEM: File an Environmental Complaint.

You may also submit an air quality complaint using the City of Gary’s website: 311_city_services (gary.gov)

The Environmental Affairs Department and Health Department are assessing the effects of this BP incident.  The City of Gary will keep residents updated as information is shared by BP.

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