Fenceline air monitors at KCBX pet coke facilities

• What air monitoring is being done?
• How is EPA using the air monitoring data?
• When can we see the latest data?
• What are the air monitoring results so far?
  • see KCBX Fenceline Air Monitoring Data for latest air monitoring data spreadsheets (summary data or raw data)

What air monitoring is being done?

EPA required KCBX to install fenceline air monitors at its pet coke facilities on the south side of Chicago at 3259 East 100^th Street (North Terminal) and 10740 South Burley Avenue (South Terminal).

There are four monitors around the KCBX North Terminal and five monitors around the KCBX South Terminal (see map). Each of these monitors measures PM₁₀ (dust) every hour, seven days a week. (PM₁₀ is a type of particle pollution.)

KCBX also has one station at each terminal that collects PM₁₀ on a filter for more detailed laboratory analysis. These filters are collected twice per week and used for a 24-hour sample; the filters are analyzed for toxic metals and other elements.

KCBX has also installed a weather station at each terminal to measure wind speed and wind direction. This will help identify the source of the dust. EPA will compare the monitoring data to wind direction to determine the source of the pollution.

In a letter dated December 23, 2015, EPA approved KCBX’s request to cease ambient air monitoring at the North Terminal. Petcoke has been removed from the KCBX North Terminal since summer 2015. Ambient air monitoring data for the North Terminal ended on January 4, 2016.

In a letter dated March 23, 2016, EPA conditionally approved KCBX’s request to alter the monitoring requirements at the South Terminal. Ambient air monitoring continues at the South Terminal.

Top of Page

How is EPA using the air data?

EPA is comparing the PM₁₀ data to EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The PM₁₀ standard is exceeded when the 24-hour average is higher than 154 micrograms per cubic meter.

EPA is now tracking the data to see whether the NAAQS is exceeded at any of the KCBX fenceline air monitors. If NAAQS are exceeded, EPA may use its statutory authorities to take action to maintain air quality.

EPA is also doing chemical analysis of air samples to help us understand what pollutants are found in the particles. EPA will determine the amount of toxic metals in the samples. The wind direction information from the weather stations may indicate which source is responsible for emitting the PM₁₀ and toxic metals.

EPA will analyze the toxic metals results to estimate how breathing these pollutants might affect people’s health over the long-term. We will consider the potential long-term risks of cancer and other chronic health effects, including respiratory and neurological effects.

EPA does not have air quality standards for air toxics. Instead we use the best available information about pollutant health effects to establish health-based comparison levels. We will evaluate long-term metals concentrations relative to these comparison levels. If there is a potential health concern with toxic metals, then EPA will take steps to identify and address the problem.

See also: Hazardous Air Pollutants

When can we see the latest data?

It takes several weeks for air filters to be analyzed by the laboratory and for all of the monitoring data to go through a routine quality review process.

EPA has required KCBX to provide the hourly air and weather data on a weekly basis, seven business days after the end of each week of monitoring. Laboratory filter analysis results are received from KCBX monthly.

After EPA receives the data, we will review and post it.

What are the air monitoring results so far?

KCBX’s air monitoring network started operating on Feb. 18, 2014. Most of the PM₁₀ measurements are well below the NAAQS. However:

• On April 12, 2014, there was one 24-hour period higher than 154 micrograms per cubic meter at the North Terminal northeast site (NE).
• On May 8, 2014, the northeast site at the North Terminal and the northeast site at the South Terminal both had a 24-hour average concentration higher than 154 micrograms per cubic meter.
• On February 14, 2015, the 24-hour average concentration at the North Terminal southeast site (SE) was 175 micrograms per cubic meter.

Toxic metals should be evaluated after several months of data have been reported. Early findings in southeast Chicago show that most metals are well below EPA's health screening levels for long-term exposure. One exception is manganese, which is near the screening level at the North Terminal northeast site. EPA will continue to track the toxic metals results. We will investigate possible sources of manganese in Southeast Chicago.

KCBX Fenceline Air Monitoring Data presents spreadsheets with summary data of PM₁₀ measurements and also spreadsheets with raw data.

Top of Page