Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
"Our CITGO Lemont Refinery follows all required federal, state and local reporting requirements," a representative told Patch. LEMONT, IL — After recent posts on social media and resident concerns about air quality in Lemont due to CITGO, CITGO Lemont Refinery's Public Affairs Manager Jen Hannon has shared a response with Lemont Patch. "The CITGO Lemont Refinery has been part of the local community for 99 years," Hannon said. "As a good neighbor, our operations are guided by our underlying values – we live and work here too. That’s why it’s important to understand the real data and facts surrounding our operations." The CITGO Lemont refinery manufactures several grades of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and high-quality hydrocarbon solvents. As part of its operations, CITGO does produce benzene, which has been an area of concern for residents. According to the American Cancer Society, benzene is a carcinogen that is a "natural part of crude oil and gasoline (and therefore motor vehicle exhaust) as well as cigarette smoke." According to the EPA, chronic inhalation exposure to benzene has caused various disorders in the blood, including reduced numbers of red blood cells and aplastic anemia, in occupational settings. "An increased incidence of leukemia has also been observed in humans occupationally exposed to benzene," the EPA website states. "We understand that local residents have expressed concern about air quality surrounding the refinery," Hannon said. "Some of these concerns posted on social media accounts have misrepresented data, and we’re developing a specific reply to those in error. First and foremost, understand that our CITGO Lemont Refinery follows all required federal, state and local reporting requirements." Hannon said CITGO Lemont Refinery actively monitors the concentration of benzene at the refinery’s property line, consistent with applicable federal regulations for petroleum refineries. "Our monitoring program consistently demonstrates that we remain below the EPA action levels and EPA’s health-based reference value," Hannon said. "Any monitoring above the program action level requires a formal investigation and analysis. The refinery immediately initiates corrective actions to resolve any problems and complies with all Right-To-Know notification requirements. The refinery conducts additional monitoring within the fenceline, in addition to that required under the program, to ensure our operations remain within program requirements." The Village of Lemont shared on Monday that CITGO representatives will attend the Village's Environmental Commission meeting on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall to address concerns. After CITGO Air Quality Complaints, Refinery Officials To Attend Environmental Commission Meeting: Village Hannon said that in addition to its fenceline monitoring, it also participates in regional programs like the Odor Alert Network and the Community Awareness Emergency Response Council that keeps local leaders and communities informed on safety and environmental topics. "We will continue to monitor, report, and engage with regulators and community partners to provide accurate information and respond to questions promptly," Hannon told Patch.
