Whiting, IN – A week-old leak at a Northwest Indiana oil refinery has been identified as the source of a strong odor affecting Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs.
BP Refinery confirmed the issue originated from a storage tank leak at its Whiting facility. “The leak was contained within the tank confinement area as of January 19, and cleanup efforts are in progress,” stated a BP spokesperson. The incident has prompted responses from local officials across the Chicagoland area, with numerous reports of a natural gas-like odor since early Wednesday morning.
Tinley Park and other suburbs have seen a surge in 911 calls related to the odor, while Nicor Gas assures residents of the non-harmful nature of the odorant added for gas leak detection. Community members are encouraged to report any gas leak suspicions to authorities.
