Broce, however, appeared to throw cold water on Sterigenics’ announcement.

"Shortly after the state opened an investigation into an unreported evacuation of the Sterigenics facility in Smyrna, the company fully suspended operations—despite its initial refusal to do so—to focus on the installation of new, emission-reducing equipment," she said in a statement. "Because the company has struggled to operate with adequate transparency, we have reservations about this new proposal. Inexplicably, state officials were afforded almost no time to vet its feasibility before the company announced it."

“We have gathered new information through the course of the state’s ongoing investigation,” she continued. “We will withhold judgment on today’s announcement until we can independently assess the proposal. The safety of Georgia families remains our top priority.”

Asked to respond to Broce, a spokesman for Sterigenics said the company had no additional comment.