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Arvada residents urge council to press state on ethylene oxide monitoring near LivaNova
Summary
Residents told the Arvada City Council they want the city to push state regulators for transparent monitoring of ethylene oxide emissions from a nearby sterilization facility, citing cancer risk studies and proximity to schools.
Evan Bonnie, an Arvada resident, told the City Council on Aug. 5 that he is asking the council to work with state officials to ensure transparent monitoring and enforcement of laws covering ethylene oxide emissions at the LivaNova facility near West 60 Fifth Way.
Bonnie said the facility uses ethylene oxide and that federal action to tighten emissions rules recently stalled. “We need transparency, accountability, and above all, we need to protect the people who live, learn, work, and play in its shadow,” Bonnie said.
The speaker cited research he said links ethylene oxide exposure with higher risks of breast cancer and blood cancers, and described the facility’s proximity to local schools and recreation centers. He said within one mile of the site are two preschools, an elementary school and four fitness facilities, and that within three miles are additional preschools and elementary schools, Arvada West High School, Stenger Sports Complex and Apex Center Pool.
Council member Jacqueline Davis, who identified herself as a chemical engineer by education during council comments, said the city will follow up and ensure state rules are followed. “That perked my ears up immediately,” Davis said, referencing the comment about the chemical’s persistence in waterways, and added she will make sure the issue is followed up upon.
Bonnie asked the council to “work with the state government to help ensure this facility is prioritized and subject to transparent and consistent monitoring under Colorado law.” No formal motion or vote on the matter was taken during the meeting; Bonnie’s remarks were made during the public comment period.
City officials and council members noted the city’s limited direct regulatory authority over air emissions, and Davis referenced Colorado’s public protections from toxic air contaminants act (2022) as a state-level tool. Bonnie urged the council to use its influence through advocacy and priority-setting with state agencies.
The council did not announce any specific next steps or formal direction to staff at the meeting beyond verbal assurances that the matter would be followed up.
