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Asbestos in Libby - EPA Action Update #3

Release Date: 1/31/2000
Contact Information:
(303) 886-1638,

Release Date: 1/31/2000
Contact Information:
(406) 441-1123 x238,

Release Date: 1/31/2000
Contact Information:
(406) 293-6194 (Libby)

Libby, MT -- Air samples that the U.S. EPA collected in December show levels of asbestos requiring action at two sites. Results show elevated levels of tremolite-actinolite at the old Zonolite railroad loading area at the base of Rainey Creek Road and at the “export site” near the ballfields. “This does not come as a big surprise,” says EPA On-Scene Coordinator, Paul Peronard. “EPA has contacted the property owners to discuss the scope of the cleanup actions and their timing.” The test results, in conjunction with historic information and information from the current property owners, will drive EPA’s action.

“We also found asbestos fibers of the shape and length that concern us in two of the 32 homes we tested and EPA will take steps to eliminate the potential risks at these homes,” said Peronard. “Fibers we are concerned about are not readily apparent in the other 30 homes or in two businesses that we tested.” Peronard said that is good news but added that the first analysis was designed to find out if asbestos fibers were “abundant”. “That is apparently not the case,” he said. “We will now analyze the samples again with a lower detection limit - a more sensitive measure. We want to look at the lowest measurable levels so that we can speak to the safety of the homes with as much certainty as possible.” This analysis will take until the end of February.

EPA is still waiting for the results of other samples (soil, dust, insulation) that were taken at the homes. These results are due back in mid-March. Air sample results from six Libby school buildings are expected later in February. The Agency is also working on a plan for more home testing. To date, approximately 125 additional residents have volunteered to have their homes tested. EPA will continue to work closely with the home owners and the Libby community to determine what actions will be taken.

EPA and DEQ will continue to study and identify the asbestos distribution in Libby. Fixed air monitors now test outdoor air in four Libby locations. At least one more monitor will measure air blowing off the mine site. The monitors will periodically measure ambient air through the fall of this year. These results will provide additional information to make risk-based decisions about potential clean-up actions.

Peronard emphasized again that EPA’s job, with help from the Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), is to eliminate any current risk from environmental exposures to asbestos. “It’s heartbreaking but EPA can’t do anything about the illnesses that may be from past mining and processing. Our job is to find out if people are being exposed to these materials from environmental sources today,” he said. “However, ATSDR will continue to look at the long-term health implications.”

The public is encouraged to attend a town meeting to be held in the Veterans’ Memorial Gym on Wednesday evening, February 2 from 7 - 9 pm. The sampling results will be discussed along with some detail about what EPA is looking for when studying the data. EPA will discuss its goals in Libby and provide ample time for questions from the public.

EPA opened a local Information Center on Thursday, December 16, 1999. The Center is staffed full-time by Linda Newstrom. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. Tuesday it is open from noon until 8 p.m. Area residents are encouraged to stop by, ask questions and pick up information about the sampling, results and potential health effects from asbestos. Residents can also call the Information Center with questions, concerns and ask to be added to the mailing list. The telephone number at the Information Center is (406) 293-6194.

Other helpful contacts are:

Dr. Chris Weis, EPA Toxicologist and Science Advisor (303) 898-5314
Dr. Aubrey Miller, Public Health Service Physician (303) 358-9719
Johanna Miller, EPA On-Scene Coordinator 1-800-227-8917 x6804
Diana Hammer, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator 1-800-227-8917 x6601
Rich Lathrop, EPA Press Officer 1-800-227-8917 x6780
John Constan, DEQ Project Manager, Remediation Div. (406) 444-1438
Dan Rapkoch, DEQ Communications Manager (406) 444- 2929

For more information on EPA's Libby Asbestos Response, please visit:https://www.epa.gov/region08/superfund/sites/mt/libbyasb/lbbytop.html