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:

On Monday, July 27, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the CITGO Lemont Refinery experienced loss of power to various parts of the refinery during the storms that passed through the area. Personnel immediately implemented procedures to stabilize the refinery, which included shutting down several process units to minimize flaring and emissions. There is no threat of offsite impact or health risk to the surrounding communities. All appropriate regulatory agencies have been notified, and all required safety precautions have been taken. An official investigation into the event is currently in progress. The safety of our employees and the surrounding community remains our priority.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Permit Renewal

Information and Community FAQ

We understand that residents have questions about the Lemont Refinery's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) post-closure permit renewal, including what it means for environmental protection and public access to information. This FAQ explains the permit, how monitoring is conducted, what happens if a concern is identified, and how residents can participate in the public process.

The CITGO Lemont Refinery operates under a RCRA Post-Closure Permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). This draft permit renewal concerns the ongoing post-closure care, monitoring, and maintenance of a Land Treatment Facility (LTF) at the refinery that was closed in 2016. The purpose for this renewal is to ensure CITGO continues to meet requirements for groundwater and soil monitoring, inspections, corrective action where required, and financial assurance for post-closure and corrective-action obligations with IEPA oversight.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is holding a public hearing regarding this permit on August 10.

View FAQs

Vegetative cover system established as prairies.

CITGO Petition and Notification Process Explained

CITGO continues to be committed to sharing information and answering questions.

Learn more

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 .