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.


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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


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