Rep. Lipinski Presses Sterigenics CEO For Explanation, Air Tests

WILLOWBROOK, IL — During a meeting with members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, Rep. Dan Lipinski pressed Sotera Health CEO Michael Petras to hold a public forum to explain why he believes Sterigenics does not pose a health threat and shouldn't be shut down. Lipinski also asked Petras to fulfill his request made weeks ago to start perimeter air quality monitoring around Sterigenics.

“Today I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Petras and tell him the company’s top executives need to face the public,” Lipinski said in a release. “They need to hear from residents directly impacted by the Willowbrook plant emissions and explain why they believe it should not be shut down."

Lipinski said his office has requested updates from the company on its progress in developing a perimeter monitoring plan, but were given none.

"Even with the government shutdown Sterigenics could have drawn up a plan to submit to the EPA, but there’s no evidence they have done this. While I foremost believe that the Sterigenics plant should be closed, short of that happening, they should immediately draw up a perimeter monitoring plan for EPA approval,” Lipinski said in a release.

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