HEALTH & FITNESS

Judge rules to allow Sterigenics plant to reopen despite emissions concerns

ByLeah Hope, Eric Horng, and Alexis McAdams WLS logo

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Judge rules to allow Sterigenics plant to reopen despite emissions concerns

Sterigenics remains closed, but the controversial Willowbrook plant could soon be back in business following a judge's ruling Friday.

WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) -- Sterigenics remains closed, but the controversial Willowbrook plant could soon be back in business following a judge's ruling Friday.

A DuPage County judge issued an order Friday, allowing the plant to start the process of resuming operations.

The Willowbrook facility closed in February due to concerns about high levels of ethylene oxide released into the air. Some people living nearby said those emissions have caused cancers.

"We are angry. We are upset. We are disheartened," said Lauren Kaeseberg, of the group STOP Sterigenics, about the judge's decision this week.

Friday's hearing came nearly two months after Sterigenics reached an agreement with state officials that could allow the Willowbrook facility to reopen, following the installation of new emissions control equipment.

Sterigenics officials said the company has made improvements to reduce emissions by over 90%.

Sterigenics said in court that the company was entitled to reopen as soon as possible after closing for nearly seven months. They said if the judge didn't approve the consent order, they were going to take legal action to make an emergency order so that they can resume operations.

The process was stalled after the company was hit with dozens of lawsuits, with residents claiming that the ethylene oxide emissions from Sterigenics caused their cancer or that of their loved ones.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office released a joint statement on Friday, saying they thought it best to approve the consent order because it'll help ensure that Sterigenics is held accountable for any future violations.

But some lawmakers and concerned residents disagreed, vowing to fight Sterigenics getting permits from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said he "will do everything to keep the doors of Sterigenics closed."

"I will ask the Legislature to move on this as quickly as we can," Durkin said.

Congressman Dan Lipinski also expressed disappointment in the court's decision.

"We should protect medical patients who need sterilized devices, but not at the expense of the health and safety of our communities," Lipinski said.

For Willowbrook resident Jana Conev, the thought of Sterigenics reopening brings fear.

"Absolute terror," Conev said. "They are terrorists. That's what they are."

Conev is a cancer surivivor and one of more than 30 plaintiffs suing Sterigenics over its emissions.

She wants to keep the plant shut down.

"Have them move somewhere they won't harm anybody," Conev said. "I would suggest Pluto."

While Sterigenics may resume the process to start operations, the medical equipment sterilization company still has to make several changes and apply for permits to abide by new strict emissions standards.

Previous coverage:

32 new lawsuits filed against Sterigenics linked to cancer causing chemical

Willowbrook area community, politicians outraged over plan to reopen Sterigenics facility

Sterigenics Willowbrook facility could reopen after company says deal reached with state

Lake County ethylene oxide results released as Pritzker signs law cracking down on emissions

EPA: Residents within 1.5 miles of Sterigenics plant had up to 10x higher risk of cancer

Hearing held on Sterigenics lawsuit as residents fight to permanently close plant

EPA tests shows rapid drop in cancer-causing chemicals following Willowbrook Sterigenics closure

Judge denies Sterigenics temporary restraining order, Willowbrook facility remains closed

Sterigenics files emergency motion to reopen Willowbrook facility

Willowbrook Sterigenics plant shut down Friday night

Lawmakers join call to stop Sterigenics from operating in Willowbrook