Koch Methanol Optimization Project

As discussed at the August 30, 2022, Community Outreach Meeting held at the Westbank Reception Hall, Koch Methanol is planning to invest $150 million at Koch Methanol St. James to implement a collection of projects, collectively referred to as the Koch Methanol Optimization Project. Koch has received its air permits for the Optimization Project from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). In addition to the air permits, St. James Parish has approved Koch Methanol's Land Use Application for the Optimization Project as well as a separate reliability project to install a backup oxygen supply for the plant. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is progressing with its review of Koch Methanol’s application to renew its wastewater discharge permit, which reflects revisions associated with the Optimization Project.

See a description of the Optimization Project and permit efforts here.

LPDES Water Permit Application

Koch Methanol proposes to renew and revise the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) Permit for the Koch Methanol St. James Facility. The LPDES permit application, which was submitted to LDEQ on May 18, 2023, requests updates to the permit to reflect the as-built operation of the plant and reflects revisions associated with the Optimization Project. Renewal of the wastewater discharge permit is not required prior to starting construction or operation of the Optimization Project, as the site will continue to comply with the current, active permit.  

• Overview of Proposed Updates to LPDES Permit
• 5/18/2023 Initial Permit Application and Environmental Assessment Statement

Title V and PSD Air Permits  

The Title V and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) air permits for the Optimization Project were issued by LDEQ on December 20, 2023.  

• Final Air Permit No. 2560-00295-V6
• Final PSD Permit PSD-LA-851 

For an overview of the Optimization Project and air permit application, read this summary presented by Josh Wiggins , Koch Methanol vice president of manufacturing and plant manager, at the air permit public hearing on 8/31/2023.

The air permit application was submitted to LDEQ on November 2, 2022 (additional documents were submitted after this date). LDEQ published draft permits for the Optimization Project on July 31, 2023. The formal public notice period ran from 7/31/23 to 9/18/23.

The formal public hearing was held on 8/31/23 at the St. James - St. Louis Academy in St. James LA. On 9/14/23, Koch provided the results of its review of the Environmental Justice assessment including in the EAS to reflect the update to EJ Screen 2.2. View document. Additional documents submitted as part of the air permit application process are provided below.

Air Permit Application documents

• 11/2/2022 Initial Permit Application
• 2/1/2023 Application Addendum  
• 2/8/2023 Application Addendum (Air Quality Impact Assessment)
• 3/20/2023 Application Addendum (Environmental Assessment Statement)
• 6/1/2023 Application Addendum (Air Quality Impact Assessment)
• 6/19/2023 Application Addendum (Environmental Assessment Statement)

Land Use Permit Application

On July 12, 2023, Koch Methanol submitted a Land Use Application to the St. James Parish Permitting and Planning office for the Optimization Project and a separate reliability improvement project. The St. James Parish Planning Commission voted to approve this application at its July 31, 2023 meeting, and the St. James Parish Council upheld the Planning Commission’s decision by unanimous vote at their meeting on September 27, 2023.

• Land Use Permit Application Overview
• 7/12/2023 Land Use Permit Application
• 7/31/2023 St. James Planning Commission Resolution
• 9/22/2023 Revision to the Land Use Permit Application
  

Ways to provide feedback or ask questions on the permit applications or the project:

• Email: kochmethanolinfo@kochind.com
• Mail: Koch Methanol St. James, P.O. Box 510, Vacherie, LA 70090