Lemont Community News
Refinery Operating Status:
As part of our normal course of business, some units at the CITGO Lemont Refinery will be undergoing routine maintenance beginning March 10. During this time, you can expect increased traffic and activity around the refinery.
Additionally, you may see occasional flaring due to equipment shutdown. Flares are important permitted safety devices at the Refinery, used to efficiently combust vent gases that are unable to be recovered by the flare gas recovery system. Typically, flares will always have a small flame (pilot) and a steam plume for keeping air out of the flare stack.
As always, the safety of our employees and the surrounding community remains our first priority.
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS
View the CITGO Lemont environmental reports.
CITGO is committed to transparency and community safety. In response to feedback during recent community meetings, CITGO has restarted two remote, real-time benzene fenceline monitors along the eastern property line of the refinery. These monitors were originally installed as part of a 2017 agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
CITGO will operate these monitors in line with the requirements established in the 2017 USEPA agreement. Data from both remote monitors will be published on the CITGO Community News website. Published reports will include wind speed, wind direction, and benzene concentrations.
- The benzene monitors will be maintained by AECOM, an independent third-party contracted by CITGO.
- Console Supervisors monitor benzene concentration levels in real time from the CITGO Control Room to ensure ongoing oversight.
- Should levels exceed the action level, a field investigation will be conducted to identify any potential sources and take corrective actions.
- Should there be an event that requires notification to the community, CITGO will immediately contact local and regulatory agencies, including local police and fire departments, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and Will County Emergency Management.
CITGO remains dedicated to keeping our neighbors informed and protecting public health. We encourage community members to visit our website for the latest information and updates.
CITGO Petition and Notification Process Explained
On September 10, 2025, CITGO filed a petition with the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) to request an adjusted, site-specific carbon monoxide (CO) standard for certain larger heaters and boilers. CITGO is requesting to follow the applicable federal EPA regulations for large heaters and boilers during Startup, Shutdown and Maintenance (SSM) periods - times when equipment is being started, taken offline, or serviced.
The goal is to have clear, consistent requirements for these short, infrequent operating periods. The petition is not a request to increase emissions; it is simply to allow CITGO to follow established Federal regulations during SSM periods for specific heaters and boilers in the refinery.
CITGO completed air quality modeling and provided the analysis to the IEPA. The modeling indicated that the requested adjustment would not affect off-site communities. The IEPA and the USEPA did not object to the request.
CITGO published a public notice about the petition in The Herald-News on September 13, 2025, which reaches readers in Lemont, Romeoville, Lockport, Bolingbrook, and other communities in Will and Cook Counties. Notices that are required to be published in a newspaper will continue to be published in The Herald-News, which is available both in print and online.
CITGO is committed to ongoing communication with our neighbors and to operating responsibly in the community.
What We Do
The Refinery is a strategic supplier of transportation fuels, particularly in the upper Midwest. The refinery has a crude processing capacity of 177,000 barrels per day (bpd) and manufactures several grades of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and high-quality hydrocarbon solvents used in the production of paints, adhesives and coatings.
CITGO in the Community
We express CARE for each other and our communities. We encourage and support a healthy work-life balance. We reduce, reuse and recycle in support of the environment. We cultivate meaningful relationships, deliver exceptional experiences, and proactively address customer needs.
Refinery Environmental Handout
The CITGO Refinery is committed to safety and environmental stewardship. We are proud of the industry leadership position we have attained and continue to be recognized year after year with numerous safety awards. We strive to improve the water and air quality in our community through process improvements and projects.
Community Meetings
CITGO and local municipalities are working together to address environmental concerns raised by residents.
To foster transparency and dialogue, CITGO conducted a series of community meetings in December 2025 and January 2026.
CITGO staff, third party environmental experts, and Will County EMA authorities presented in-depth materials and incorporated open discussion with community members to answer questions and voice concerns.
We will continue to work together and engage with our community and take steps that reflect our shared commitment to the well-being of area residents.
View Meeting Recordings
Download Presentations
CITGO Lemont Refinery LinkedIn
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