EPA Cites CITGO for Air Pollution

July 27, 2001
EPA has cited CITGO Petroleum Corp. for alleged\r\nviolations of federal clean-air regulations at the company's\r\npetroleum refinery, in Lemont, Ill.

EPA Region 5 has cited CITGO Petroleum Corp. for alleged violations of federal clean-air regulations at the company''s petroleum refinery, in Lemont, Ill.

The EPA citation alleges CITGO made major modifications to the refinery''s sulfur recovery plant that resulted in significant increases in sulfur dioxide emissions without doing required performance testing and without implementing a continuous monitoring system for all emission points.

In addition, CITGO failed to submit excess emissions reports and failed to show compliance with emission limitations.

This is a preliminary finding of violations, according to EPA. To resolve the violations, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company.

The company has 30 days from receipt of the notice to request a meeting with EPA to discuss the allegations and how to resolve them.

"EPA''s mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Cheryl Newton, acting director of the regional Air and Radiation Division. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

Exposure to sulfur dioxide can impair breathing, aggravate existing respiratory diseases like bronchitis and reduce the ability of the lungs to clear foreign particles. In addition, sulfur dioxide causes acid rain.

by Virginia Foran

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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