Gas leak at BP Whiting Refinery causing odor in Chicago area; air emissions being monitored

WHITING, Ind. (WLS) -- If you smell gas in the air, you're not alone.

There was a gas leak at the BP Whiting Refinery in Indiana from one of their underground small supply lines.

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The smell continued to be strong as of 4:30 p.m., though BP said the issue has been resolved. The company insists the air quality is safe and the plant is operating normally.

Residents living nearby, however, are skeptical.

"I have an autoimmune condition," said Lisa Vallee. "When things like this happen, we tend to notice really quickly because we're so close."

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BP is monitoring air emissions for elevated levels of contaminants.

"Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. We appreciate your cooperation and support," the city of Whiting said.

"The safety of our responders, the community and the environment remain our highest priority," BP said in a statement.

This is not the first time this year that an incident at the BP plant has resulted in additional pollutants being released into the air. In February, a power outage at the plant prompted flaring from the smokestacks that spread well into the Chicago area.

"The accidents and the mishaps seem to be happening in quicker succession every single year. Bigger spills, bigger leaks. Worse pollutants," Vallee said.

Residents say more oversight is needed from state officials, requiring the company to be more transparent when things like this happen.

"The onus really has been on the community to prove that there is a problem. Not on the companies to prove that there is not a problem," said Olga Bautista.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said it is aware of the issue and has set up additional air monitoring as a precautionary measure. They continue to monitor air emissions for contaminants that could pose a risk to public health.

In January, some south suburban residents reported a natural gas smell due to a leak at the same refinery.