Ethylene Oxide Update #63: December 30, 2024
Dec 30, 2024
This update includes:
Quarter 3 stack monitoring and fugitive emissions results received by IEPA; Vantage within permitted emission cap
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has updated its website to include the 2024 Q3 data related to Vantage’s permit. The results indicate Vantage has released 32.51 pounds (29.56% of permitted annual total) of EtO cumulatively year-to-date, of which 30.96 pounds (51.60 % of permitted annual total) were fugitive emissions. Public Act 101-0023 and Vantage’s Construction Permit limit the facility to 110 pounds of emissions annually of which no more than 60 pounds can be fugitive emissions.
The Q3 submission noted in August two components were permanently removed from service. In September, twenty-two additional components were permanently removed from service. Removing these components reduces the overall number of potential leak sources.
The submission noted no leaks detected in July. August identified one leaking component (flange) that was repaired (tightened) with follow-up monitoring immediately. September identified one leaking component (valve/control) that was repaired (tightened bolts) with follow-up monitoring the following day.
The third quarter report is now available on the IEPA website here: https://epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/epa/topics/community-relations/sites/ethylene-oxide/documents/construction_permit_19100015_q3_24.pdf
Past reports can be found here