Town of Munster Indiana

September 3, 2025 – Update for Sutton Place Townhomes and Sutton Place Condos residents and local businesses:

bp appreciates your continued patience as we begin the next phase of our response to the pipeline release.  While our crews continue this work, we want to share additional information about our actions since the release occurred and where we are going next. The safety of the community, our crews, and the environment continue to be our top priority.

What happened? Crude oil was released from an inactive pipeline and entered a storm drain under the pipeline through a small crack in the concrete storm drain.  This caused a sheen and odors in the catch basins closest to the pipeline. In coordination with the Town of Munster, the storm drain will be relined with a liner that will prolong the life span of the existing concrete storm drain. Per the Public Works Department, there was no structural damage to the storm pipe.

What has been done so far? Since the initial response on August 20, crews have:

•              Isolated the affected section of the storm drain to keep additional sheen from reaching the rest of the storm drain system

•              Excavated to expose the pipeline, secured the source of the release with a permanent clamp and recovered spilled oil

•              Cleaned the sections of the storm drain system impacted by the sheen

•              Backfilled the excavation site ahead of restoration of the area

Which crews are still onsite? Until the storm drain is lined, we expect some residual sheen in the isolated section of the drain. Any sheen will be collected with absorbent boom material and removed by vacuum trucks. Odors may be noticed near the storm drain closest to the release site but should continue to dissipate.  Storm water will be pumped around the isolated section and crews will remain onsite to monitor the storm drains until repairs are complete.

When will the storm drain be repaired? Crews will install a liner for the interior of the storm drain within the next two or three weeks.

What are the next steps? Crews will sample the ground around the release site to assess potential impacts. This work will be conducted in consultation with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Plans for any required remediation will be developed based on the results of that sampling.

We recognize the challenges that come with this kind of work. bp is committed to minimizing potential impacts on your daily lives while our crews focus on completing this work safely and efficiently.

Residents whose homes may have been impacted by odors can call the bp pipelines claims number at 877-869-1389 to request cleaning services from a licensed contractor with interior cleaning expertise.