EPA at Work in Chicago - Air
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Overview
The Biden administration recommends that Federal agencies address how disadvantaged communities are disproportionally affected by health, environmental, economic, and climate impacts.
Partnership with City of Chicago
EPA continues to partner with the City of Chicago on its environmental justice initiatives, including a framework to address cumulative impacts and hyperlocal monitoring. In 2021, EPA Administrator Regan suggested that the city complete an environmental justice analysis on a proposed permit for Reserve Management Group to operate a scrap metal recycling facility on Chicago’s southeast side. The group purchased General Iron, which had previously operated on Chicago’s Northside.
In February 2022, the Chicago Department of Public Health denied RMG’s permit application. The health department found the potential adverse changes in air quality and quality of life that would be caused by operations —together with the company's track record in operating similar facilities within this campus—presented an unacceptable risk to vulnerable surrounding communities. EPA provided technical assistance including an air quality analysis and health impact assessment.
Related links:
- Letter from EPA Administrator Michael Regan to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (pdf)
- General Iron
- Southeast Chicago Ambient Air Quality Analysis
- City of Chicago CDPH Ruling on the RMG Expansion Proposal
Air Enforcement
Enforcing environmental laws is a central part of EPA’s Strategic Plan to protect human health and the environment. EPA works to ensure compliance with environmental requirements. When warranted, EPA will take civil or criminal enforcement action against violators of environmental laws.
One of EPA's top priorities is to protect communities disproportionately affected by pollution through our environmental justice (EJ) work. EPA is integrating EJ into areas such as:
- enforcement and compliance program planning and implementation;
- identifying cases to pursue; and
- developing solutions to benefit overburdened communities.
To file a complaint, visit: https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.
Investigations
- Sims Metal Management (2500 S. Paulina Street)
- S.H. Bell (10218 S. Avenue O)
- Befesa (formerly American Zinc Recycling, Horsehead Corporation) (2701 E. 114th Street) EPA continues to monitor Befesa’s compliance with the April 2020 Consent Decree at the Chicago facility.
- Watco Terminal and Port Services (2926 E. 126th Place)
- Pullman Innovations, LLC (2701 E. 100th Street)
Industrial Energy Efficiency
EPA commends the city for its ambitious goals in the Chicago Climate Action Plan. In particular, Region 5 is supporting the city’s goal to retrofit 20% of total industrial buildings by
2030 and improve industrial energy efficiency and sustainability more generally, including through ENERGY STAR’s industrial programs. EPA partnered with the City, ComEd, Peoples Gas, and energy efficiency implementers to hold a workshop in December 2021 to provide an overview of available utility programs for industry and explain how energy efficiency supports the city’s climate action, environmental justice, and economic development goals. Read EPA's press release announcing Over $1 Million in Grant Funding to University of Illinois for Pollution Prevention and assistance to small and medium industrial facilities. EPA will also work with the city to increase enrollment in utility Strategic Energy Management programs for larger eligible facilities.
Air Quality and Monitoring
Air Quality Partnerships with Communities a comprehensive resource for communities.
The Annual Network Plan provides the framework to establish and maintain air quality surveillance system in each state. To review Illinois EPA’s most recent ANP, visit: Ambient Air Monitoring Network. Other plans, visit: State Monitoring Agency Annual Air Monitoring Plans and Network Assessments
Air Now provides localized current and forecast air quality maps.
Air Data uses tools to visualize current and historic regulatory data.
The Air Sensors Toolbox provides the latest science on the performance, operation and use of air sensor monitoring systems for participatory scientists and the public.
Air Sensor Loan Programs provides information on how to find out how to loan sensors from EPA or other entities