One-third of modernization complete, BP official says
Bowdeya Tweh – bowdeya.tweh@nwi.com, (219) 933-3316 | Posted: Friday, October 9, 2009 12:05 am
WHITING | The road has been rocky since engineering and construction work began in May 2008 on BP Whiting Refinery’s $3.8 billion modernization project — touted as the largest single private investment in state history. There have been economic and fuel-price collapses; environmentalists and municipal officials challenged the project’s impact on the region’s air quality; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents led a December raid leading to contract workers being arrested.
Despite those challenges, BP spokesman Brad Etlin said the company is pleased with the progress of construction, equipment purchases and engineering — which is now about one-third complete. He said the project is on track to be completed in early 2012.
The complete story is at http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/article_ec56442b-93f9-5e98-aba2-0c3bae069768.html#2
Attached photo caption: New coke drums from Japan have arrived at BP as part of the modernization project. Six drums sit on land that BP is leasing from ArcelorMittal. Each coke drum weighs at least 400 tons and is 125 feet long and has a 32-foot diameter. The drums will be a part of the new petroleum coker, which will increase the production of the refining by-product petroleum coke. The coke has similar properties to coal and will be sold to power generation companies and steel mills.
Thank you Charlie Randall for submitting
-Paul
