BP Responds to Second Oil Sheen on Inactive Pipeline in Munster

Company says it has mitigated crude oil migration into storm sewer system after two incidents months apart

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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BP has responded to two separate incidents of oil sheens and odors from an abandoned pipeline in Munster, Indiana, about half a mile apart. The company says it has successfully removed crude oil and water from the pipelines and implemented controls to prevent further migration into the local storm sewer system, with no ongoing risk to the community or environment.

Why it matters

The incidents highlight the potential environmental risks posed by inactive or abandoned pipelines, which can continue to leak and cause issues even after they are no longer in active use. The repeated nature of the incidents in Munster also raises questions about the adequacy of BP's initial response and monitoring efforts.

The details

In January 2026, BP received odor complaints and discovered an oil sheen in a stormwater catch basin from an abandoned 10-inch pipeline. This was about half a mile away from a similar incident in August 2025 on the same pipeline system. BP responded by installing sorbent booms, removing over 9,400 gallons of crude oil and water, and monitoring air quality. They are now installing groundwater monitoring wells to further assess the situation.

  • In August 2025, BP responded to an initial oil sheen and odor incident from the abandoned pipeline system in Munster.
  • On January 6, 2026, IDEM was notified of a new oil sheen from the same pipeline system, about half a mile away from the prior incident.
  • On January 6, 2026, BP responded to the new incident the same day, discovering the sheen in a stormwater catch basin.
  • By February 4, 2026, BP had removed 9,412 gallons of crude oil and water from the 10-inch pipeline.
  • On February 10, 2026, BP began installing groundwater monitoring wells to further assess the situation.

The players

BP

A major oil and gas company that owns the abandoned pipeline system in Munster, Indiana.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)

The state environmental agency that was notified of the oil sheen incidents and has been involved in the response.

Munster Fire Department

The local fire department that coordinated with BP during the response to the incidents.

Munster Sewer Department

The local sewer department that coordinated with BP during the response to the incidents.

Adam Tokarski

BP's environmental coordinator who provided updates on the company's response efforts.

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What they’re saying

“During our investigation, crews discovered a sheen in a stormwater catch basin and ultimately secured the source of the release. The ongoing work is focused on mitigating future events.”

— Cesar Rodriguez, BP spokesman (chicagotribune.com)

“Based on field documentation, crude oil and water were successfully removed from abandoned pipeline segments and residual product migration into the storm sewer system has been controlled.”

— Adam Tokarski, BP environmental coordinator (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

BP is continuing to monitor the situation and has begun installing groundwater monitoring wells to further assess conditions near the abandoned pipeline.

The takeaway

These repeated incidents highlight the ongoing environmental risks posed by inactive or abandoned pipelines, even years after they have stopped operating. The response efforts by BP demonstrate the challenges in fully mitigating the impacts of such legacy infrastructure issues.