New production problem reported at BP refinery in Whiting, sources say

Sources said a fluid catalytic unit, called the cat cracker, has been down for about a week.

A BP source close to the incident said it's not clear when the unit will return to service.

The cat cracker is used to produce additional gasoline and other petroleum products by using high temperatures.

BP spokesman Scott Dean wouldn't comment on day-to-day operations at the refinery or how this incident affected production volumes.

"I can tell you that the refinery continues to operate safely and produce fuels for its customers," Dean said.

Members of United Steekworkers Local 7-1, who walked off their job at the Whiting refinery on Feb. 8 as part of a national strike, say this is the latest in a series of problems to take place at BP's massive campus since the strike began.

Union members reported seeing three major flare-ups in four days in February. They also reported that the No. 11 pipestill was taken down for repairs and said they saw a fire truck entering the complex one day.

Dean said the pipestill was taken out of service for repairs. He said the repairs were being done by a team at Whiting "in a professional, by-the-book manner."

He said there was no fire at the refinery on the day the workers saw the fire truck and said the appearance of the flare stacks can change based on day-to-day operating conditions.

Dean said BP and Local 7-1 leaders will meet again on Friday.

In a labor update report issued Wednesday, BP said it has reached tentative agreements with USW locals in Alaska and at Texas City Chemicals and with all but one USW local at its U.S. pipeline and terminal sites.

Regarding the two striking refineries, Whiting and Toledo, Ohio, the report stated, "We remain optimistic that through good-faith negotiations, we can find a mutually beneficial solution that lays the groundwork for a competitive business, safe operations, good jobs and economic opportunity for years to come."

Union representatives have said the issues that remain to be resolved concern safety, long working hours, use of non-USW workers on jobs traditionally done by USW members and wanting to retain collective bargaining rights.

The USW's national bargaining team continued negotiations Monday and Tuesday with Shell Oil representatives in Houston, but warned twice since Sunday that the strike, which already involves 15 refineries, could expand.

USW spokesman Wayne Ranick said whether the strike will expand depends on the status of negotiations. He wouldn't speculate on how many other facilities would be added.