Annual Project Update Libby Asbestos Superfund Site EPA Information Center; 108 E. 9th Street; Libby, MT 59923 - (406) 293-6194 DEQ Troy Information Center; 303 N. Third Street; Troy, MT 59935 - (406) 295-9238 Environmental Resource Specialist - (406) 291-5335 June 2010 Removal Action Begins in Troy Under the direction of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the lead agency for Operable Unit 7 (OU7 - Troy), 1,239 parcels in Troy have been inspected yielding 104 properties that require vermiculite removal. Exterior soil removals will take special precautions around trees. The interior design-build plans will adhere to the current construction specifications established in Libby. For more details on the project in Troy, please contact the DEQ Troy Information Center (see above). ERS Passes Muster The Environmental Resource Specialist (ERS) program is proving to be a valuable asset to the community. Last year the ERS answered 184 calls and helped property owners deal with vermiculite encountered during remodeling and excavation projects. EPA intends that the ERS program remains in place after EPA finishes its work in the area. Before you begin a project on your property or if you encounter vermiculite that might contain Libby Amphibole asbestos, you should contact your Environmental Resource Specialist (ERS - 406-291- 5335) for on-the-spot answers to your questions. There's a New OU in Town EPA has designated the state highways that fall within the boundary of the Superfund Site as Operable Unit 8. OU8 includes highways 37 & 2 as well as Pipe Creek Road, Farm to Market Road, and Kootenai River Road. This change allows EPA to develop sampling plans and investigations tailored to the unique characteristics of the roadways as one entity rather than as odd sections of the other OUs. Activity based sampling of Highway 37 is scheduled to begin this summer. EPA will initiate air monitoring adjacent MDOT's road repair work this construction season. OUs 1, 2, 5, & 6 - Processing Areas Proposed Plans for OU1 (the former Export Plant) and OU2 (former Screening Plant) were released for public comment in September of 2009. This month, EPA signed Records of Decision (RODs) addressing most of the comments for OUs 1&2. This means that construction can begin on these OUs this season, and the properties will be ready for healthy and productive reuse before winter. EPA hopes that the Proposed Plan for OU5, the Kootenai Industrial Park, will be issued this fall so that this crucial property can also begin to contribute to the economic vitality of the area. Sampling data along the rail lines, OU6, is being evaluated. Investigations Continue at the Mine OU3, the former vermiculite mine, encompasses the mine property and areas impacted by releases from the mine including creeks, ponds, the surrounding forest, and Rainy Creek Road. The 2009 field program included activity based sampling to characterize exposure to recreational users, fish population surveys, and small mammal investigations. EPA expects to oversee collection of more activity based sampling in 2010, this time to characterize exposure to Forest Service workers. EPA will host a public meeting to discuss OU3 on Tuesday June 22, 2010 at 5:30 pm in the Ponderosa Room (Libby City Hall). OU4 - Libby Homes & Businesses Over 1200 residential and commercial properties have now been cleaned up in Libby. Construction began in April this year. EPA plans on completing well over 100 large and complicated properties in Libby, resulting in the removal of another record volume of contaminated material. Work has already been completed on the interior of the historic Hotel Libby. The design/build construction strategy we implemented last year has reduced construction costs and increased the efficiency of our cleanups. Activity based sampling in OU4 will also continue this year. ------- 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, Colorado 80202-1129 Return service requested ^D$t% s < ^ PRO"^- o .T Inside: 2010 Annual Project Update Before working on your property call: The Environmental Resource Specialist 406 - 291 - 5335 Postage and Fees Paid by US EPA Permit No. G-35 Helena, MT 60-Second Project Summary 2002 to 2010 *iV 2002 • Most cleanup of WR Grace facilities, schools, and public areas completed • EPA announces decision to clean residential properties including vermiculite insulation • Libby added to Superfund list • 3000+ properties inspected and sampled during the CSS • 26 residential cleanups completed 2003 • 1200+ properties inspected or sampled • EPA publishes interim cleanup standards and protocols • 157 residential or commercial cleanups completed • City boat ramp cleanup completed 2004 • 170 residential or commercial cleanups completed • EPA announces it will include Troy in the cleanup • Cleanup of BNSF rail yard completed • Cleanup of Flyway property completed • New cleanup contract awarded 2005 • 225 residential or commercial cleanups completed • Special sampling to verify protectiveness of cleanup • Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study underway • Begin initial coordination for 2006 Troy investigations 2006 • 216 residential or commercial cleanups completed • Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study underway • Outdoor Ambient Air sampling program initiated 2007 • 160 large and complicated properties completed • Outdoor Ambient Air sampling program in progress • Activity Based Sampling program initiated • Toxicity studies identified for Risk Assessment • ERS program initiated • Sampling in Troy initiated 2008 • 143 properties completed in Libby, 6 in Troy • Activity Based Sampling completed in OU4 • Toxicity Studies continue for Risk Assessment • Sampling in Troy progresses • Investigations at all OUs continued • Work on creeks with contaminated rip-rap begun 2009 • 159 properties cleaned up • Golf course cleanup completed • Remaining creek beds cleaned and restored 2010 • Remedies selected in RODs for OUs 1&2 • Removals in Troy begin • Investigations at the Mine in full swing • Historic Hotel Libby cleaned up Questions? Please visit or call the EPA Information Center, at 108 E. 9th Street in Libby (406-293-6194), or call the following EPA staff toll free: Victor Ketellapper Libby Team Leader 1-800-227-8917x6578 Mike Cirian On-Site Project Manager 406-293-6194 Libby Faulk Community Involvement Coordinator 1-800-227-8917x6083 ------- |