EPA in Illinois

Air Issues in Chicago's Pilsen Neighborhood

EPA continues to be concerned about air pollution in the Pilsen neighborhood. In 2005 EPA responded to community concerns about air emissions and cited H. Kramer, a smelting facility, with an administrative violation. In January 2013, EPA and the State of Illinois signed a consent decree with H. Kramer and Co. to resolve violations of the Clean Air Act and state air pollution violations at the firm's brass smelting foundry in the Pilsen neighborhood.

February 2016 Update

The average lead concentration at the Perez Elementary lead monitor from July 2015 through December 2015 (the most recent data available) was only 0.01 micrograms per cubic meter. That is 2 percent of the highest concentration, which was measured in December 2010 (0.580 micrograms per cubic meter). The monthly average lead values have been below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) since the beginning of 2011. The 2015 ambient monitoring data is preliminary in nature, and has not yet been certified by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Monthly Average Lead Data from Perez Elementary School Ambient Air Monitor 2010-2015

August 2015

The average lead concentrations at the Perez Elementary lead monitor from January 2015 through May 2015 was only 0.02 micrograms per cubic meter, or 3 percent of the highest concentration, which was measured in December 2010 (0.580 micrograms per cubic meter).

The monthly average lead values have been below the NAAQS since the beginning of 2011.

December 2014

Although the January 2013 consent decree did not require ambient air monitors in the community, it did require “parametric monitoring” to ensure that the lead pollution control devices--the pulse-jet baghouse filters and High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters--operate effectively. This parametric monitoring continuously measures the pressure upstream and downstream of the baghouses and HEPA filters to ensure that leaks do not occur. If the measurements exceed manufacturer’s guarantees, an alarm sounds, and H. Kramer must immediately replace the broken filters to prevent leakage.

Both filter systems were in place and operating by August 12, 2013.  In addition to the continuous monitoring, H. Kramer must ensure efficient operation of the control system, maintain appropriate records and keep track of several additional criteria.

Prior to the January 2013 consent decree, two ambient lead monitors were operating near the H. Kramer facility at the Perez Elementary School and Juarez High School. Illinois EPA removed the Juarez High School monitor, but the Perez monitor remains operating. The average lead concentration at the Perez Elementary lead monitor for 2014 was only 0.02 micrograms per cubic meter, or 3 percent of the highest concentration, which was measured in December 2010—0.580 micrograms per cubic meter.