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Gov. Kemp applauds win against BD for Newton County, surrounding areas
Brian Kemp
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. - photo by Submitted Photo

ATLANTA — This Monday morning, Oct. 28, in Newton County Superior Court, Judge Eugene Benton signed a consent order between Plaintiff Richard Dunn, the director of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division, and defendant Becton, Dickinson and Co. 

Among several provisions, the order temporarily closes BD’s Covington facility for air testing, 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,” Kemp said. “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 Oct. 21, 2019, Dunn filed a verified complaint and motion for a 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.

PDF: Oct. 28 signed agreement between BD, GA EPD