Analysis of pet coke samples submitted by KCBX

EPA required KCBX to submit samples of the petroleum coke stored on each of their sites for EPA to analyze in our labs. EPA is publishing the resulting data on this website.

Lab Analyses of Pet Coke Samples

How were the pet coke samples collected?

Map showing the locations of KCBX North and South terminals.

KCBX collected material from the six largest storage piles at the North Terminal and three main piles at the South Terminal. KCBX followed detailed sampling instructions provided by EPA.

KCBX delivered the samples to EPA’s Chicago Regional Laboratory for analysis.

KCBX Petroleum Coke Storage Pile Sampling Logbook and Photos - March 13, 2014

What is EPA doing with the results?

All of the pollutants that are being analyzed in samples of pet coke from KCBX are typically found at low levels in common topsoil. EPA expects to find some amount of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and naturally-occurring radionuclides in the pet coke samples.

The reason for sampling is to understand exactly how much of these pollutants are found in the pet coke stored at KCBX. These results can be compared to coal and pet coke sampled in Detroit or other locations.

See also: How is EPA using the air monitoring data?