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