HOUSTON – Oct. 2, 2019 – The CITGO Lemont Refinery recently received the 2018 Product Stewardship Award from BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) for safely and successfully transporting an established minimum of loaded tank cars of hazardous materials with zero non-accident releases during last year’s full transportation cycle.

As one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies, BNSF implemented the Product Stewardship Award in 1997. The CITGO Lemont refinery achieved the award for its fifth consecutive year by upholding the ethics of Product Stewardship under the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® initiative and was included among 122 shippers that were bestowed with this year’s award.

“Unwaveringly, safety remains our number one priority at CITGO,” said Lemont Refinery Vice President and General Manager Dennis Willig. “This award reflects our principles of adhering to the highest safety standards set. The transportation of hazardous materials necessitates a strong partnership between CITGO and BNSF. We’re very proud to have once again earned their recognition.”

Through teamwork and meticulousness, the CITGO Lemont Refinery was able to achieve an accident rate below the national average. The CITGO Lemont Refinery received additional accolades for its commitment to protecting employees, the public and the environment. The refinery received the Partnership Award for its outstanding safety performance during the Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association (TRMA) Annual Dinner Meeting, a Safety Achievement Award from American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) last year.

About BNSF
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.

About the CITGO Lemont Refinery
For more than 90 years, CITGO Lemont Refinery has employed more than 750 Chicago area residents on a full-time and contract basis in support of the local economy. In addition to producing high quality fuels for a large portion of the network of more than 5,200 locally-owned CITGO stations across the country, Lemont Refinery employees also make a major positive impact on the community. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars are given in support of community programs such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and a variety of environmental and preservation programs. Operations at the Lemont Refinery began in 1925 and a major expansion doubled the facility in 1933. Over the years, new units were added to meet the demand for a better quality of gas for automobiles, aviation fuel for WWII, and the production of asphalt. For more information, visit www.citgolemont.com.  

About CITGO
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is U.S.-based petroleum company with a rich heritage of more than 100 years. CITGO operates three refineries located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Lemont, Illinois, and wholly and/or jointly owns 48 terminals, nine pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,500 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 749,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO is ranked as the fifth-largest and one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products and supplies a network of approximately 4,900 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets in 30 states and the District of Columbia. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.