Indiana's Toxic Sludge Is Wisconsin's Problem

Thursday, August 09, 2007

From an editorial in Milwaukee´s Shepard Express:

A British Petroleum (BP) oil refinery in Indiana will be allowed to increase the amount of toxic sludge it dumps in Lake Michigan. It's the first time in 30 years that a business has been permitted to add more pollution to the lake.

The permit allows BP to expand its refinery in Whiting, Ind., just across the border from Chicago. As part of the $3 billion expansion, BP can discharge 1,584 pounds of ammonia and 4,925 pounds of toxic "sludge" each day.

BP says the facility's expansion is necessary to increase output because domestic refineries are struggling to keep up with demand. It is also arguing that adding a better water treatment system would be an economic hardship.

The toxic dumping has been condemned by the U.S. House of Representatives with a 387-26 vote; the governor of Illinois, who is threatening to sue; mayors of Chicago, Milwaukee, Racine, Green Bay, Sheboygan and Superior; and thousands of Great Lakes states residents.

But the governor of Wisconsin doesn't appear to be bothered.

"It is an issue that is governed by the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] through the Clean Water Act," said Gov. Jim Doyle's spokesman, Matt Canter.