Hazmat Incident Contained in Hammond’s Woodmar Section
Hammond – A hazardous materials response was launched Friday morning after a petroleum pipeline leak was discovered in Hammond’s Woodmar neighborhood, near Purdue Northwest.
At approximately 7:13 a.m., the Hammond Fire Department responded to the 7100 block of Wicker Avenue, where crews located an underground leak from a BP petroleum transmission pipeline. Firefighters were joined by Lake County Hazmat, the Hammond Department of Environmental Management, and BP representatives, according to a post from Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.
Responders worked to control the release using oil dry and began isolating the pipeline. Firefighters also conducted safety checks on nearby homes for fumes or petroleum product. Officials confirmed there was no need for evacuation.
By around noon, the leak had been isolated. Hammond Fire reported that benzene levels were detected in the immediate area, but no homes or residents were impacted. Crews have blocked off the area while mitigation efforts continue.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the affected stretch of Wicker Avenue & 171st until cleanup operations are complete.
