Sterigenics Protest Canceled, Group Asks For Help In Other Ways

WILLOWBROOK, IL — A demonstration planned in Willowbrook over the planned reopening of Sterigenics did not go off on Tuesday. Instead, organizers with the Stop Sterigenics activist group have urged those who oppose the reopening of the sterilization facility to help the cause in other ways.

A few had plans to begin at demonstration at the intersection of Route 83 and Midwest Road on Tuesday and hold a march to Quincy Street, Stop Sterigenics spokeswoman Margie Donnell said.

"Direct" actions to prevent ethylene oxide emissions are instead urged. Stop Sterigenics has asked those in support to file a witness slip here, join the "Write to Fight for Clean Air" event on Saturday, Sept. 28 by writing directly to legislators that will be voting on House Bills 3888 and 3885. The group has shared more information on this here.

Under a deal reached with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Sterigenics has agreed to limit its ethylene oxide emissions to 85 pounds, a large decrease from the estimated 2,890 pounds it released in 2017. But groups like Stop Sterigenics support the proposed legislation that would completely eliminate the legal emission of ethylene oxide.

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