FORT MYERS, FLA. –– Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recently reported concerns about the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) discharges at the LeeSar/American Contract Systems (ACS) plant in Fort Myers.
“As a father, husband, member of the community, and Congressman elected to serve the people of Southwest Florida, the health and safety of everyone I represent is paramount. Over the last several days, my office and I have worked diligently with the EPA, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and other stakeholders to gather the most accurate and up-to-date information in assessing the detriment to the public.
“Following these productive conversations, the consensus is that there is no public hazard for citizens in the discharge zone. Additionally, the ACS plant is near completion of implementing a voluntary discharge control system to capture additional carcinogens, ultimately lowering EtO emissions by over 99.9 percent. Lastly, I, too, share the public’s frustration concerning the inadequate handling of the dissemination of information to the people that have caused undue panic and anxiety for countless families. As a result, I’ve sent a letter to the EPA calling for an extension of its official public comment period and an in-person meeting for community members to ask questions and submit their pertinent concerns.”
