Region 8
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations
Emergency Response Cleanup Activities in Libby
EPA's emergency response work in Libby has focused on removing as many Libby Amphibloe asbestos (LA) source areas as possible. As of April of 2009, EPA has safely and thoroughly removed over 600,000 cubic yards of asbestos-contaminated waste from major source areas and structures. Contaminated soils are transported to the Grace Mine site and contaminated construction debris is placed in a specially designed landfill cell. These disposal sites are secured and will remain off-limits for human contact. Recent cleanup efforts have focused on residences and businesses. By the end of the 2008 construction season, EPA had cleaned up over 1,100 residences and commercial properties. In 2009, EPA will transition from emergency Removal Activity to the Remedial Process.
The removal activity thus far has included investigation, excavation, demolition, disposal, and restoration activities. These cleanups entail detailed planning and implementation to ensure public and worker protection.
Since November 1999, EPA has:
- Opened the EPA Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave.
- Investigated the sources of contamination
- Removed vermiculite from several major source areas
- Collected and assessed data
- Reconsidered standard protocols for analyzing Libby amphibole asbestos samples and assessing risk from Libby asbestos exposure
- Proposed Libby for the National Priorities List (NPL - "Superfund") at the request of Governor Martz - listed on NPL in 2002
- Built a special cell in the Lincoln County Landfill for disposal of asbestos wastes
- Over 3,600 Contaminant Screening Studies completed in Libby
- Tested methods of remediating indoor contamination
- Authorized and begun removal of vermiculite from Libby homes and businesses
- Expanded a Superfund investigation to include extensive sampling and analysis and additional risk assessment
- Begun a formal human health risk assessment
- Year-long Activity Based Sampling (ABS) program completed in 2008
- Outdoor Ambient Air sampling program completed in 2008
- Sampling in Troy scheduled to be completed in 2009
- Toxicological and epidemiological studies continue to support preparation of Baseline Risk Assessment
- By the end of 2008, EPA has cleaned up over 1,100 businesses and residences, and removed approximately 600,000 cubic yards of contaminated material
Operable Units
EPA divides large Superfund sites into separate Operable Units or "OUs." This is done to make the project easier to manage since certain segments of the project are so different from the others.
OUs 1, 2, & 6 - Processing Areas
The Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies (RI/FS) needed to support Proposed Plans and Records of Decision (ROD) will be completed for OU 1 (the former Export Plant) and OU 2 (former Screening Plant) in 2009. Sampling along the rail line, OU 6, has been completed and the data are currently being analyzed.
Vermiculite Removal in Libby Homes and Businesses (Operable Unit 4)
In 2002, EPA began removing vermiculite from the interiors and exteriors of Libby homes and businesses. EPA's asbestos abatement contractors are using a vacuum truck to extract the vermiculite inside and backhoes to dig up the material outside (see photos above). Air sampling is conducted during and after the removal, to ensure that hazardous levels of asbestos are not present.
Residents are being relocated during the interior removals, which can take up to three weeks for each house. EPA has developed specific plans for conducting these removals. In general, EPA will remove vermiculite and restore the home, indoors and outdoors, to its pre-removal condition.
Work at the Mine Site (Operable Unit 3)
- OU 3 encompasses the mine property and areas impacted by releases from the mine such as creeks, the Kootenai River, settling ponds, the surrounding forest, and Rainy Creek Road.
- Remedial Investigations (RI) at the mine site began after the major exposure risks in the towns were eliminated.
- Currently EPA is evaluating the 2008 RI results, which include surface water, sediment and ambient air samples.
- The 2009 RI will likely include investigations of fish and small mammals, activity based sampling, and stream flow monitoring.
- These results will provide additional information to make decisions about potential cleanup actions for the mine.
Work at the Former Stimson Mill (Operable Unit 5)
- EPA, in conjunction with Lincoln County and the Port Authority, has completed environmental sampling at the Stimson complex - the site of a former lumber mill. Stimson donated the property to the Port Authority to facilitate economic redevelopment when the lumber mill operations ceased in 2002.
- Vermiculite insulation and contaminated concrete were removed from certain key structures.
- As part of its commitment to the reuse of Superfund sites, EPA signed a Cooperative Agreement with Lincoln County and the Port Authority to assist in land-use planning at the former mill site. The planning includes data collection, assessment of infrastructure and facilities, a fire inspection, and a market analysis/master plan.
- After sampling results for OU 5 are evaluated, the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study will be completed for a Record of Decision (ROD) in 2010.
- EPA hopes that portions of OU 5 can be redeveloped and contribute to the economic vitality of the community as soon as possible.
OU 7 - The Town of Troy
- The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is the lead agency for work in Troy under a cooperative agreement with EPA.
- The Troy Asbestos Property Evaluation (TAPE) began in 2007 and the sampling is scheduled to be completed in 2009.
- In 2009, Ambient Air Sampling will begin in Troy and certain highly contaminated properties will be cleaned up.
Funding for Cleanup Activities
The Libby Site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL - "Superfund") in October 2002. The NPL is a list of hazardous waste sites that are eligible for extensive, long-term cleanup under the Superfund act. An NPL listing enables a site to receive federal funds for cleanup while EPA seeks costs from the responsible parties. If there are no responsible parties who can pay for the work, the Superfund may be used. In 2008, EPA received a $250,000,000 settlement from W.R. Grace to cover future cleanup costs at the Site - this is the largest civil cash settlement in Superfund history.
When Cleanup is Complete: A Message to Lincoln County Residents
EPA can only sample accessible areas indoors and near ground surface outdoors - this is where contamination is most likely to occur and to be disturbed. It is impossible to sample everywhere and EPA removes material only where the sampling indicates contamination exists. Because of this, some isolated pockets of vermiculite may be missed or contained in place. It is important to be able to recognize vermiculite, should you encounter it in the future. If you do not know what it looks like, please visit the EPA Information Center (501 Mineral Avenue in Libby) to view our samples.
When remodeling or doing yard work within the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site boundary, the local Environmental Resource Specialist (ERS) should be contacted if vermiculite that may contain Libby Amphibole asbestos is discovered. The ERS will provide on-the-spot answers to questions. It's also a good idea to consult with the ERS before a project is started on property in the Libby area.
The ERS position is intended to remain after EPA finishes its work in Lincoln County to answer questions should vermiculite be encountered on property or in homes in the future.
If you know or think you have found vermiculite in the Libby area, do not disturb it! Contact the ERS during regular business hours and emergencies at 406-291-5335.