EPA Declares Libby a Federal Public Health Emergency

This week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared Libby, Montana a federal public health emergency and promised a minimum of $125 million to help cleanup efforts at sites effected by asbestos contamination.

The town was contaminated by asbestos from a nearby vermiculite mine and now asbestos-related diseases have been blamed for more than 200 deaths since the late 90's. The designation is the first ever under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The money will help the door-to-door cleanup of individual homes and structures contaminated by asbestos. The process which involves sealing structures then vacuuming the interiors and removing soil is very time consuming and currently an average of 150 properties are cleaned each year.

The EPA estimates that 900 properties still need to be cleaned in Libby and the nearby town of Troy. In addition, 800 property owners have either refused cleanup or the owners could not be reached for a decision.

The asbestos was released through vermiculite mining operations that ended in 1990. At its peak, the mine released 24,000 pounds of dust each day and mine tailings were used for general construction including running tracks at local schools. In 2002 the town was added to the EPA's Superfund list which allows federal cleanup assistance at toxic sites.

As a result of the contamination, Libby residents suffer up 80 times the national average for deaths by asbestosis and lung cancer mortality rates are 30 percent higher than average. It is estimated that 1,200 residents have died from or developed cancer related to asbestos exposure.

Lawmakers have repeatedly emphasized the need for continuing health coverage for Libby residents and the Health and Human Services Department has agreed to provide an additional $6 million for residents suffering from asbestos-related diseases.

The contamination of Libby eventually spurred criminal charges against W.R. Grace & Co. and former executives who were accused of knowingly exposing residents to asbestos. The company and former employees were acquitted on all charges following a two month trial earlier this year.

Libby Mayor Doug Roll along with Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester expressed optimism that the designation would help finish the cleanup process and aid residents but reiterated the fact that assistance took time to arrive.

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