Oil Pollution's Impact On Northwest Indiana's Environment

Oil pollution has had a significant impact on Northwest Indiana, with residents expressing concerns about the negative effects of refinery pollution on their health and well-being. In February 2024, nearly 100 people gathered to voice their anger and frustration at the BP Whiting refinery, calling for cleaner air and action from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The event was triggered by a series of environmental incidents, including equipment failures that released benzene and hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere, causing a strong chemical odor across the region. The community has urged IDEM to impose stricter safety and emissions requirements, highlighting the need for better regulation and accountability. This issue has brought to light the challenges of balancing industrial development and the well-being of those who live in the area.

Oil refinery pollution

Northwest Indiana residents have expressed their concerns about oil refinery pollution, specifically targeting the BP Whiting Refinery. In February 2024, nearly 100 residents gathered to voice their anger and frustration at a public meeting held by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). This meeting was prompted by a series of environmental incidents, including equipment failures that caused tank leaks, releasing benzene and hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere, and a power failure that led to unplanned gas flaring and road closures. Residents reported headaches, nausea, and other negative symptoms attributed to airborne pollutants. They urged IDEM to impose stricter safety and emissions requirements on BP.

BP's Whiting Refinery has a history of both air and water pollution issues. In December 2024, severe weather caused the refinery to release more pollution into the air, resulting in a sulfur smell across several counties in northwest Indiana. This incident raised health concerns, particularly for individuals with lung conditions. Additionally, the refinery was sued in 2019 for regularly violating legal limits on fine particulate pollution, which can trigger asthma and heart attacks.

According to a 2025 report, BP's Whiting Refinery is one of the worst water polluters in the nation. The report, titled "Oil's Unchecked Outfalls," revealed that refineries release over half a billion gallons of pollution-laden waters into lakes and rivers daily. These discharges contain toxic chemicals and metals, such as arsenic, cyanide, and chromium. The BP refinery was specifically called out for releasing high levels of selenium, nitrogen, oil and grease, arsenic, and other pollutants into Lake Michigan.

While BP has stated its commitment to safe and compliant operations, community members continue to advocate for stronger regulations and more transparent communication regarding emergencies and emissions incidents. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is responsible for investigating incidents and enforcing environmental regulations, but residents believe more needs to be done to address the refinery pollution issue in northwest Indiana.

Impact on wildlife

Oil pollution has had a devastating impact on wildlife in North West Indiana and beyond. The BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe in 2010 spilled 205.8 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, with only 25% recovered. This had a profound effect on wildlife and their habitats.

Birds

The spill harmed or killed approximately 82,000 birds of 102 species, including black skimmers, brown pelicans, clapper rails, common loons, and northern gannets. Birds are affected by oil spills as their feathers lose their water-repellent quality, exposing them to harsh elements and hypothermia. Ingesting oil when cleaning themselves can also poison them.

Sea Turtles

The spill harmed around 6,000 sea turtles, with five species in the Gulf affected: green, Kemp's ridley, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead. Juvenile sea turtles can become trapped in oil and mistake it for food.

Marine Mammals

The BP spill may have harmed up to 25,900 marine mammals, including bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, melon-headed whales, and sperm whales. Dolphins and whales can inhale oil, which affects their lungs, immune function, and reproduction.

Fish, Shellfish, and Corals

While not all fish, shellfish, and corals are exposed immediately, they can come into contact with oil if mixed into the water column. Adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment. Shellfish can be exposed in the intertidal zone. Even without lethal impacts, oil can make fish and shellfish unsafe for human consumption.

Other Marine Life

Oil and dispersed oil are toxic to marine invertebrates like lobsters, crabs, oysters, clams, zooplankton, starfish, and sand-dwelling organisms. It also harms marine and onshore plants like seagrasses, mangroves, and wetland vegetation, which provide habitats and food sources for many species.

Health issues

Northwest Indiana is home to a unique mix of diverse communities, a national park, a state park, and globally rare dune and swale ecology. Interspersed among these natural wonders are three steel mills, an oil refinery, and chemical plants that contribute to air and water pollution.

The health of residents in Northwest Indiana is threatened by the toxic emissions from these industrial facilities. La'Tonya Troutman, an activist for environmental justice, has questioned the link between the pollution and the various health issues faced by people in the region. These issues include cancer, lupus, diabetes, and respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Health care workers in the area report seeing unusually high numbers of patients with breathing problems and heart conditions. The average life expectancy in Northwest Indiana lags behind that of Indiana and the US as a whole.

One of the main concerns regarding the health impacts of oil pollution in Northwest Indiana is the release of toxic chemicals and metals into waterways, particularly Lake Michigan, which is a source of drinking water and recreational activities for the surrounding communities. A report by the Environmental Integrity Project found that BP's Whiting Refinery in Northwest Indiana is one of the worst water polluters in the nation. The refinery released high levels of selenium, nitrogen, arsenic, and other dangerous pollutants into Lake Michigan. These pollutants can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment.

The air pollution from the industrial facilities in Northwest Indiana also poses significant health risks to residents. The stacks of the steel mills, for example, release a cocktail of lead, hydrochloric acid, and other toxins into the air. These pollutants can settle onto the ground and be tracked into homes or wash into waterways. Lead, a potent neurotoxin, is of particular concern, as it can stunt children's brain development. The high levels of lead in the area have led to evacuations and school closures in the past.

Overall, the oil and industrial pollution in Northwest Indiana has had a detrimental impact on the health of residents, contributing to various health issues and reducing life expectancy. There is a pressing need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect the health and well-being of the communities in this region.

Environmental racism

Northwest Indiana, including the cities of Gary, East Chicago, and Hammond, has been identified as an area of environmental injustice, with a high concentration of heavy industrial activity. These cities have some of the worst air quality in the nation and highly contaminated water, leading to elevated cancer and asthma rates among residents. The impact of oil pollution in Northwest Indiana has been felt by residents who have taken to social media to complain of headaches, nausea, and other negative symptoms attributed to airborne pollutants from refineries.

The issue of environmental racism in Northwest Indiana is complex and rooted in historical policies and practices that have favoured the health and well-being of white communities over those of non-white, low-income communities. The legacies of segregation and redlining, enforced through land-use policies and local zoning codes, have discouraged investment in areas with predominantly minority populations, eroding asset values and the tax base. This has led to crumbling housing and public infrastructure, making these areas more attractive to polluting industries due to the low value of land.

The impact of environmental racism extends beyond physical health issues, also resulting in economic inequality, the desecration of cultural spaces, and disproportionate levels of pollution. Communities of colour have long complained of being treated as dumping grounds for environmental polluters, and their efforts to address these issues are often met with limited success.

Addressing environmental racism requires recognising the role of systemic racism and taking steps to dismantle racist structures. This includes listening to and empowering impacted communities, ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes, and holding those in power accountable for honouring the rights of all people to clean air, water, and healthy communities.

Clean-up and restoration

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is responsible for investigating and taking appropriate enforcement actions in response to environmental incidents and complaints. IDEM's State Cleanup Program manages sites contaminated with hazardous substances or petroleum that are not included on the National Priorities List of the federal Superfund program. The program follows the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the Remediation Closure Guide. Sites are referred to the State Cleanup Program by the IDEM Emergency Response Section or other agencies after a spill or release report is received.

The State Cleanup Program uses a priority ranking system to allocate staff resources, with project managers assigned to high- and medium-priority sites contaminated with hazardous substances. Low-priority and medium-priority sites with only petroleum contamination are expected to complete the Independent Closure Process. Responsible parties are required to perform site characterization and remedial activities and are liable for the costs of response or remediation incurred by the state.

Various contractors offer oil spill cleanup services in Northwest Indiana, including:

• Advanced Vacuum Services
• Alacrity Solutions
• Clean Harbors Environmental
• E-Environmental Solutions, LLC
• Eagle Services Corporation
• Environmental Restoration LLC
• EnviroServe
• HEPACO, LLC
• Heritage Environmental Services
• Industrial Services Group
• Industrial & Environmental Services, LLC
• INSERV, Inc
• Midwest Environmental Services, Inc
• Moran Environmental Recovery, LLC
• National Industrial Maintenance, Inc.
• OSI Environmental, Inc.
• SET Environmental, Inc.
• Summit Environmental Services, Inc
• Tradebe Environmental Services, LLC

IDEM also provides guidance on preventing and reducing pollution, such as implementing pollution prevention practices, properly disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, and protecting drinking water sources and habitats. IDEM works with local governments, farmers, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer groups to protect Indiana's water quality.

Frequently asked questions