Sterigenics Decommissioning Proceeds: Willowbrook

WILLOWBROOK, IL — Steps will be taken this week as part of the decommissioning of the two Sterigenics sites in Willowbrook, the village said in a statement Monday. These plants' emissions of ethylene oxide have been blamed for causing cancer. They are closed now because of the issues.

Willowbrook has granted permits for the removal of a nitrogen tank at each site. On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, crews are tentatively set to do the work, witnessed by the Tri-State Fire Protection District and the Willowbrook building department, the statement said.

Nearby residents may hear a loud hissing sound for up to an hour as the nitrogen is being released. Then they'll see a water vapor fog that should dissipate within an hour.

The emptied tanks will be removed from the buildings, placed on flatbed trucks and then taken out of the area to a leasing company. Willowbrook officials said the process does not pose a health risk to residents.

The plants are at 830 Midway Drive and 7775 Quincy St.