Questions and Answers: What EPA is Doing
- How long will it take for EPA to make a more comprehensive recommendation about ethylene oxide levels based on the monitoring being done now?
- In the end, you show it’s in the air, then what? what is the next step after all this sampling?
- The updated risk assessment final report is expected in 2019, what quarter should we expect to see that?
- What is EPA doing to reduce ethylene oxide in my area and across the country?
- How long before levels of ethylene oxide are lower?
- If the EPA loses funding, will this be followed up at the state or local level?
What EPA is Doing
How long will it take for EPA to make a more comprehensive recommendation about ethylene oxide levels based on the monitoring being done now?
US EPA expects to complete a full modeling-based risk assessment to be completed in spring 2019.
In the end, you show it’s in the air, then what? what is the next step after all this sampling?
We are taking a two-pronged approach to finding opportunities to reduce ethylene oxide emissions:
- EPA is reviewing Clean Air Act regulations for facilities that emit ethylene oxide:
EPA has begun reviewing its air toxics emissions standards for miscellaneous organic chemical manufacturing facilities, some of which emit ethylene oxide.
The Agency also plans to take a closer look at its rules for other types of facilities, beginning with its emissions standards for commercial sterilizers.
- EPA is also getting additional information on ethylene oxide emissions
EPA also is gathering additional information on industrial emissions of ethylene oxide, which may include data from testing at facilities.
This information will help EPA as it looks for opportunities to reduce ethylene oxide emissions as part of its regulations review.
The updated risk assessment final report is expected in 2019, what quarter should we expect to see that?
We expect it to be ready in the second quarter of the year.
What is EPA doing to reduce ethylene oxide in my area and across the country?
We are taking a two-pronged approach to finding opportunities to reduce ethylene oxide emissions:
EPA is reviewing Clean Air Act regulations for facilities that emit ethylene oxide:
- EPA has begun reviewing its air toxics emissions standards for miscellaneous organic chemical manufacturing facilities, some of which emit ethylene oxide.
- The Agency also plans to take a closer look at its rules for other types of facilities, beginning with its emissions standards for commercial sterilizers.
EPA is also getting additional information on ethylene oxide emissions
- EPA also is gathering additional information on industrial emissions of ethylene oxide, which may include data from testing at facilities.
- This information will help EPA as it looks for opportunities to reduce ethylene oxide emissions as part of its regulations review.
- It also will help us determine whether more immediate emission reduction steps are necessary in any particular locations. We do not know yet whether those locations include the location you mentioned.
How long before levels of ethylene oxide are lower?
The National Air Toxics Assessment, estimated risks based on Sterigenics reported emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) in 2014. There have been important changes since then.
In late July 2018, Sterigenics routed additional emissions to existing control devices to further control its emissions of EtO. On September 20 and 21, Sterigenics tested the emissions coming from its stacks to measure current levels of EtO emissions now that the additional emissions are routed to controls. The results of those tests should be available soon.
EPA will use the test results to better estimate the emissions from the facility; those estimates will then be used as inputs to a model that will estimate how far the remaining ethylene oxide emissions disperse, and what that means in terms of likely ethylene oxide levels in the air near the facility.
EPA will use the modeling results to determine the best locations to collect air quality samples. EPA will consult with the mayor of Willowbrook, and other local elected officials as appropriate, in developing this air monitoring plan.
We will share the air modeling and monitoring data as it becomes available.
If the EPA loses funding, will this be followed up at the state or local level?
Illinois EPA has been working closely with EPA on addressing ethylene oxide issues at Sterigenics. Our agencies are committed to following this issue together.