Hinsdale To Call For Shutdown Of Sterigenics

HINSDALE, IL — At its Feb. 19 meeting, the village of Hinsdale will have a resolution on the agenda that will advocate for the closure of the Sterigenics facility. Trustee Luke Stifflear, Chair of the Village's Zoning and Public Safety Commission, has been overseeing and directing the village's response to Sterigenics.

According to the village, President Tom Cauley recused himself from the matter when he learned that the law firm he is a partner at represents Sterigenics.

In an email sent to village board members on Oct. 27, Cauley said, "After sending the letters concerning Sterigenics on Oct. 25, I learned for the first time that the law firm of Sidley Austin LP, where I am a partner, is representing Sterigenics in connection with litigation and regulatory matters concerning Sterigenic's Willowbrook facility. Consequently, to avoid the appearance of impropriety, going forward I am recusing myself from any and all issues regarding Sterigenics."

Stifflear was designated by Cauley to deal with the issue, with input from other trustees and staff.

The village said it did previously request that Sterigenics cease operations until after proper safeguards are put in place, and after ambient air testing is performed to ensure the health and safety of area residents.

After recent EPA air sampling results, the Hinsdale Village Board of Trustees, at the direction of Stifflear, will have on its Feb. 19 agenda a resolution calling for the immediate closure of the Willowbrook Sterigenics facility.

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