Thousands of acres of California recreational land closed due to asbestos

Thousands of acres of recreational land closed due to asbestos

Hollister, CA - The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has suddenly closed off from public use about 31,000 acres of recreational land at the Clear Creek Management Area due to the risk of asbestos exposure.

Based on a report released by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the BLM decided that it was best for the public's health and safety to shut down the area. According to the EPA, Clear Creek contains the largest deposit of asbestos in the country. A study conducted by the agency found that some popular activities at the CCMA disturb the asbestos in the soil, causing the deadly fibers to become released. Once airborne, the potential exists for people to breathe the fibers in unaware they're at risk for terminal illnesses.

Clear Creek attracts roughly 35,000 visitors a year to its 75,000 acre land. People come for activities such as hiking, hunting, botany research, rock collecting, dirt bike riding, and many more.

The study found that the operation of motor vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs and SUVs caused the highest level of asbestos exposure because of the amount of dust they generate. The data also showed children were more susceptible to exposure than adults.

The EPA said the air-quality tests showed the levels of asbestos at Clear Creek were comparable to those found in industrial environments and warrant concern.

The BLM said it will use the EPA study to assess alternative strategies for its plans for the CCMA's future.

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