Ethylene Oxide Update: November 15, 2019
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA): On November 14, 2019 the IEPA held a formal public meeting to accept oral comments on a draft construction permit for Vantage Specialties, Inc. that will place a cap of 110lbs per year on its ethylene oxide emissions, of which no more that 60lbs per year can be fugitive emissions. At the meeting the IEPA stated that following compliance with the permit as currently drafted, Vantage Specialties Inc.’s “concentrations of ethylene oxide will be reduced below USEPAs acceptable risk level.” (slide 8)
A copy of the presentation is available at: https://www.gurnee.il.us/docs/default-source/eto/vantage-iepa-permit-hearing-powerpoint.pdf
An IEPA fact sheet related to the proposed draft permit is available at:
A copy of the draft permit is available at:
The IEPA will be accepting comments on this draft permit until November 29, 2019. Comments may be submitted by emailing EPA.Vantage@illinois.gov
Illinois General Assembly: HB3888 did not make it out of the Senate Executive Committee and therefore did not advance during the Veto Session. Elected officials at the State level have commented they will revisit the issue in the Spring session.
You can find additional information on ethylene oxide and follow all updates from the Village of Gurnee on the topic here: www.gurnee.il.us/EtO