ATLANTA – This morning in Newton County, a superior court judge signed a Consent Order to temporarily close BD’s Covington facility for air testing. The sterilization facility recently came under scrutiny for its use and emissions of the toxic gas ethylene oxide.
The chemical is used to sterilize medical device products. Two similar plants owned and operated by Sterigenics in Cobb County, Georgia, and Willowbrook, Illinois, have already been shut down. Federal health professionals previously warned that additional shutdowns could lead to a shortage of medical devices.
Long-term accountability
In addition to temporarily closing the Covington plant, the Consent Order also imposes fugitive emissions caps, requires mandatory reports, and imposes deadlines for installation of enhanced pollution controls at BD’s medical sterilization facilities in Covington and Madison.
“As Governor, I have pledged to always put Georgia families first and ensure their safety. This agreement allows for cleaner operations and improved, long-term accountability at BD’s medical sterilization facilities in Covington and Madison,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “I applaud Attorney General Chris Carr and his team for working with us to secure this win for Newton County and the surrounding communities.”
On October 21, 2019, EPD Director Rick Dunn filed a Verified Complaint and Motion for Temporary Restraining Order in Newton County Superior Court, seeking preliminary and injunctive relief against BD’s medical sterilization facility in Covington.
The Court has retained jurisdiction of the case for enforcement should BD violate any of the provisions of the Consent Order.
