Koch Methanol Optimization Project

As previously discussed in 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 called the Koch Methanol Optimization Project and is seeking air and water permits for the project. In addition to the previously mentioned permits, Koch Methanol has submitted a Land Use Application to the St. James Parish for authorization of the Optimization Project as well as reliability project to install a backup oxygen supply for the plant.

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 application requests revised permit conditions in support of the Optimization Project and standard updates to the permit to reflect the as-built operation of the plant. A water permit application was submitted to LDEQ on May 18, 2023.

• Overview of Proposed Updates to LPDES Permit
• 5/18/2023 Initial Permit Application

Title V Air Permit Application

Koch Methanol proposes to modify the Title V permit and obtain a PSD (Prevention of Significant Deterioration) permit in support of the Optimization Project.  An air permit application was submitted to LDEQ on November 2, 2022, and additional documents have been submitted in support of this effort.

An overview of the project and permit application was presented by Josh Wiggins, Koch Methanol Vice President of Manufacturing and Plant Manager, at the air permit public hearing on 8/31/2023. See his overview here.

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)

Draft Air Permit No. 2560-00295-V6

• Air Statement of Basis
• Part 1 - Cover Letter, Air Permit Briefing Sheet and Applicable Regulations
• Part 2 - General Information
• Part 3 - Equipment inventory 
• Part 4 - Emission rates for Criteria Pollutants and CO2e
• Part 5 - Emission rates for TAP/HAP and other pollutants
• Part 6 - Specific Requirements

Draft PSD Permit PSD-LA-851

• Draft PSD-LA-851

Dates for Draft Air Permits

• The public notice was issued 7/31/23. 
• A public hearing was held on 8/31/23 at the St. James - St. Louis Academy in St. James LA. An overview of the project and permit application was presented by Josh Wiggins, Koch Methanol Vice President of Manufacturing and Plant Manager.
• The public comment period will close on 9/18/23.

Land Use Permit Application

On July 12, 2023, Koch Methanol submitted an application to the St. James Parish Permitting and Planning office for land use approval 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. 

• Land Use Permit Application Overview
• 7/12/2023 Land Use Permit Application
  

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

• Email: kochmethanolinfo@kochind.com
• Mail: Koch Methanol St. James, P.O. Box 510, Vacherie, LA 70086