Legislation Introduced After Sterigenics Shutdown

SPRNGFIELD, IL – Three bills were introduced in the Illinois State Senate this week seeking to address the situation involving the Sterigenics plant in Willowbrook, which last week was shut down by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency after a release of ethylene oxide from the plant affected residents of Willowbrook and surrounding communities.

State Senators John Curran and Melinda Bush introduced the proposed legislation on Tuesday.

RELATED: Sterigenics Plant Shut Down By ILEPA

Senate Bill 1852, if implemented, will require a facility to notify all affected property owners and local governments within 2,500 feet when an ethylene oxide leak has occurred, a news release from Curran's office states. Senate Bill 1853 states, among other stipulations that, a facility emitting ethylene oxide at levels higher than federal or state standards must cease operations until the level of emissions are reduced below the federal and state standards. Among the things Senate Bill 1854 would do is ensure no facility shall have fugitive emissions of ethylene oxide above zero.

“The legislation I’m filing in the Illinois Senate is an important step in providing greater safeguards to protect residents from the dangers of ethylene oxide, while at the same time giving residents a greater voice regarding the public health in their communities,” Curran said. “I want to thank the residents of Willowbrook who have helped lead this charge, and I look forward to working with them in advancing these measures in the state legislature.”