Two Years after BP Controversy, ELPC Attorneys Say Indiana Still Needs to Improve Clean Water Rules
Monday, August 10, 2009
Two years ago, BP made headlines with its plans to expand its oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana and dump additional pollution into Lake Michigan. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management had issued a permit allowing the added pollution. When the public – and ELPC and our environmental colleagues – expressed outrage over the news, BP eventually announced that it would proceed with its plans without adding more pollution into the Lake. Since that time, Indiana’s water quality rules, which had allowed the increase in pollution, have still not been improved.
The state’s current anti-degradation rules could allow BP or another company to increase the amount of ammonia and silty materials it dumps into the lake without examining cleaner alternatives. ELPC Senior Attorney Albert Ettinger and Staff Attorney Brad Klein told the Indiana press about their concerns that another pollution controversy could emerge if the state doesn’t improve its clean water rules.
Read the full story in the Post-Tribune.
Tags: Cleaner Rivers and Lakes, Great Lakes Protection, Indiana
