Lemont Refinery

Community News

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 Operating Status: Routine Operations

Fire Department Training:

The CITGO Fire Department is conducting live fire training on June 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Associated smoke related to the training may be visible during this time.

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) seeking an adjusted, site-specific carbon monoxide standard for certain larger heaters and boilers during limited startup, shutdown, and maintenance events. The request is to allow CITGO to follow existing federal regulations during these infrequent operating periods and would not result in increased emissions.

Before filing the petition, CITGO completed air quality modeling and submitted the analysis to the Illinois EPA. Both the IEPA and U.S. EPA reviewed the data and agreed the request would not increase emissions. The IEPA stated to the IPCB “The Agency agrees that the proposed adjusted standard is consistent with federal law. Additionally, at the Agency's request, USEPA reviewed the TSD for CITGO's Petition and did not identify any issues.”

We understand some residents have questions about how the petition was communicated and what it could mean for local air quality. Notice of the filing was published in The Herald-News on September 13, 2025, which meets the public notice requirement for this type of petition and reaches readers in Lemont and surrounding communities.

The IPCB will hold a public hearing on Friday, June 26, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lemont Township Community Center.

CITGO remains committed to sharing information, answering questions, and operating responsibly as a neighbor in the community.

Environmental Reports

This section provides a range of environmental reporting and monitoring information, offering transparent insight into operations at our Lemont Refinery.

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.

Remote Benzene Monitor Data

More than

$383M

Economic Impact on the Community

More than

$21.8M

Paid in Income and Insurance Taxes

More than

$18.7M

Paid in Property Taxes

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.

Meeting Recordings

Meeting Presentations

Handouts & Posters

Community Updates

Lemont Refinery Feed

Stay up to date on all things CITGO Lemont Refinery by following us on LinkedIn .