BP refinery hit with $40 million fine, agrees to spend $200 million on pollution control

The installation of new pollution controls at the Whiting, Indiana, BP refinery will reduce benzene and other harmful air pollutants, government officials said. (AP Photos)

BP agreed to pay a $40 million penalty and spend almost $200 million on environmental controls to settle government allegations that the company released excessive toxic chemicals at its Whiting, Indiana, oil refinery on Lake Michigan.

The installation of new pollution controls will reduce benzene and other harmful air pollutants, according to federal officials who had accused the Northwest Indiana operation of violating the Clean Air Act.