Even though BD employs best available technology, we believe in continuous improvement to further reduce emissions beyond government requirements. This includes periodic upgrades to technologies and processes. Our priority is to ensure a safe environment for employees and surrounding communities.
On August 20, BD committed in writing to Governor Kemp that the company will voluntarily further reduce emissions through an $8 million investment in BD’s world-class sterilization operations in Covington and Madison. Below are the actions BD committed to take, along with our current expectations of a timeline for the improvements that were included in the letter to Governor Kemp.
These actions include a proposed reactive dry bed system to control fugitive emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO). This new system is the result of innovations by BD and the medical technology industry to discover new systems and processes that will further reduce EtO emissions at our facilities. It is our understanding that there are no current systems employed anywhere in the world that capture and control fugitive EtO emissions to this extent. Once completed, BD will be among those leading the industry to capture and control trace levels of EtO that make up fugitive emissions at the facility.
BD expects to continue operating the facility as improvements are implemented, although the company will need to temporarily suspend sterilization operations to ensure employee safety during certain stages of the implementation process. BD will advise EPD in advance when those will occur and will also announce any temporary suspension of sterilization operations on this website.
Committed Improvements:
Historical Improvement Initiatives and Investments:
1991-2000:
2001-present: