BP and Pollution

It does not matter how healthy we may be, pollution is a problem we, especially people in urban areas, all deal with. BP is one of the largest polluters along the Great Lakes as it releases 54% more ammonia and 35% more sludge into Lake Michigan each day according to the Chicago Tribune. Because BP expansion will provide 80 new jobs, BP is exempt by Indiana from state environmental laws. This will allow for the $3.8 billion expansion previously mentioned. If you want to take a look at some facts, check out the BP Whiting Refinery Fact Sheet.

Although BP dumps so much pollution into Lake Michigan, it is well within legal limits and they are continously making improvements. This refinery is necessary because it provides fuel for the Midwest. Supposingly, it does absolutely no harm to the people or the environment; however, arguements can be and have been made against this fact. It aslo provides many jobs presently and will provide jobs for the future.

Groups and neighbors have begged BP to use better pollution controls at Lake Michigan, the forth largest refinery, but BP still insist that they are an environmentally friendly corporation. BP also claim that there is not enough room for such an upgrade. Maybe it is not harmful or unhealthy to the public, but the little bit of knowledge I do have about health issues, it is hard for me to believe that it does not pose a problem.