Ethylene Oxide Update #70: June 2, 2026
This update includes:
- Quarter 1 stack monitoring and fugitive emissions results received by IEPA
- Vantage within permitted emission cap
- IEPA issues Vantage permit revision that requires additional monitoring
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has updated its website to include the 2026 Q1 data related to Vantage’s permit. The results indicate Vantage has released 15.15 pounds (13.77% of permitted annual total) of EtO cumulatively year-to-date, of which 12.32 pounds (20.53% 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 Q1 submission noted 4 leaking components, out of 746 total components monitored, during the three month period. The components were repaired or replaced.
The first quarter report is now available on the IEPA website here: vantage-construction-permit-Q1-2026.pdf
Past reports can be found here: Illinois EPA information on Ethylene Oxide
In addition, Ethylene Oxide Update 67: November 6, 2025, noted that Vantage had applied for a construction permit revision related to remote contingency improvements. The improvements focus on incorporating finishing vessels into the existing wet/dry scrubber system. The application did NOT request an increase in production or emission caps.
On March 31, 2026 the IEPA issued Vantage the requested construction permit. The permit does include a monthly ambient air monitoring program requirement which will include two fence line locations and one community location. The community monitoring location will be the product of computer modeling and agreement between Vantage and the IEPA. Per the permit, the sampling and analysis will be conducted by an independent third-party company. Vantage has 90 days from the issuance of the construction permit to submit the draft of the monitoring plan to the IEPA. It is currently working on that plan. Vantage has communicated that based on required capital purchases and installation, it does not currently expect the program to begin until the 3rd quarter of 2026. A copy of the permit can be found here:19100015-REVISED.033126
To keep up to date on Ethylene Oxide in Gurnee, visit www.gurnee.il.us/eto.
