Lemont Fails to Meet EPA Standards for Sulfur Dioxide; Public Meeting Set

A recent study by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency found that Lemont does not meet current air quality standards for sulfur dioxide.

Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves announced at the Village Board meeting Monday night that the village was informed by the EPA last week that it was one of four areas being recommended for designation as a "non-attainment" for sulfur dioxide standards.

According to the EPA website, the United States EPA significantly tightened the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide in June 2010. The revised standard was meant to "improve public health protection, especially in children, the elderly and people with asthma."

The new one-hour standard is set at 75 parts per billion, which the EPA found would protect public health by reducing the public's exposure to high short-term concentrations of sulfur dioxide.

According to Brad Frost, community relations director for the Illinois EPA, the three-year average of sulfur dioxide levels in Lemont registered at 100 parts per billion—the third-highest level in the state.

The figure was calculated by taking the highest reading from each year, from 2008 to 2010, and averaging the total, Frost said.

Frost said the EPA conducted an analysis of air quality, including the direction of wind and potential sources of pollutants. Though Reaves mentioned the during his report Monday, Frost said other facilities are believed to be more significant contributors.

Peter Colarelli, government and public affairs manager for the refinery, said Citgo was "in good shape" in terms of sulfur dioxide emissions.

In 2007, the refinery completed the $142 million Clean Stack — two high-tech units meant to minimize emissions and improve air quality. According to the Citgo website, the Clean Stack reduced sulfur dioxide emissions by 98 percent.

The Clean Air Act directs states to recommend non-attainment designations by June 3, said Jeff Sprague, modeling unit manager for the Illinois EPA. The U.S. EPA can accept or modify the state's recommendations, but must announce final designations by June 3, 2012.

Prior to submitting recommendations to the U.S. EPA, the Illinois EPA will hold public meetings in each of the four areas—Lemont, Oglesby, Pekin and Wood River.

The meeting in Lemont will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lemont Township Community Center, 16300 Alba St.

Sprague said the community will be given "considerable detail" on the designation, what it means and the work being done. The meeting will be led by Rob Kaleel, manager of the Illinois EPA air quality planning section.