Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers

A number of industries use ethylene oxide as a sterilant for heat- or moisture-sensitive materials or as a fumigant to control microorganisms or insects. Ethylene oxide, which is considered an air toxic or hazardous pollutant, is released during these operations.

Effective July 1, 2023, authorizations under the Air General Permit for Facilities Comprising Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers (Rule 62-210.310(5)(g), F.A.C.) will no longer be available. Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer facilities operating under the authorization of an existing air general permit may continue to operate until the expiration of the facility’s existing air general permit, or, if the facility applies for an air construction permit prior to the expiration of its existing air general permit, until the Department issues an air construction permit to the facility.

After July 1, 2023, any modification at a facility to expand operations, capture fugitive emissions, or install air pollution control equipment will require authorization through a facility-specific air construction permit and air operation permit. The owner or operator of a facility operating under the authority of this air general permit shall apply for an air operation permit at least 180 days prior to the expiration of the facility’s existing air general permit.

For questions related to compliance procedures such as test notifications, report submittals, record keeping, inspections, etc., please contact the compliance authority specific to the county where your facility is located. If it's located in Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas or Sarasota counties, visit our Local Program Air Contacts page. For all other counties, go to our District Air Contacts page.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Website for Sterilization Facility Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers