IDEM invites citizens to a public hearing about an air permit for BP Products North America, Inc., Whiting Business Unit in Whiting, Indiana. The hearing will begin at 5 p.m. (local time) on Thursday, November 15, 2012, in the Hammond Civic Center, 5825 South Sohl Avenue in Hammond.

BP Products North America, Inc., Whiting Business Unit has applied to IDEM’s Office of Air Quality for a significant modification to its Part 70 operating permit and approval to modify the source. IDEM has drafted a significant source modification and a significant permit modification for the public to review.

This permitting action will allow the source to modify existing equipment and construct and operate new equipment. The permit also incorporates the requirements of a consent decree and is intended to resolve objections and appeals to BP’s construction and operating permits.

IDEM staff will accept oral and written comments about the draft air permit during the public hearing. Individuals unable to attend the hearing can submit written comments via mail, e-mail, fax or hand-delivery to IDEM through Monday, November 19, 2012. Comments should refer to permit number SSM 089-32033-00453 and SPM 089-31849-00453.

Mail or hand-deliver comments to:

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

Office of Air Quality

100 North Senate Avenue
Mail Code 61-53 IGCN 1003
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

E-mail comments to: kwilloug@idem.IN.gov      

Fax comments to: (317) 232-6749

The public can download the draft air permit using the Online Air Permit Search on the IDEM website at www.idem.IN.gov or see a copy at these locations:

• Whiting Public Library, 1735 Oliver Street, Whiting,
• IDEM Northwest Regional Office, 8380 Louisiana Street, Merrillville,
• IDEM's Central File Room, 12th floor of the Indiana Government Center North building, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis. To ensure a copy is available upon arrival, individuals should contact Central File Room staff at (317) 232-8667 beforehand to make arrangements. The IDEM Central File Room is open Monday through Friday, excluding official holidays, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (local time).

The agency will consider all written comments submitted during the public comment period before making its final decision.

About IDEM
Established in 1986, IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.