Libby Environmental Health Update

October 16, 2000

Export Plant

W.R. Grace cleaned three buildings and is now removing debris from the pole barn building at the export plant site. The company is following proper procedures, i.e., double bagging the debris and sealing the trucks, and treating the ground with calcium chloride to prevent dust during removal and transportation off the site. This week W.R. Grace will begin soil excavation measures. It will remove up to the first 12 inches of contaminated soil from throughout the entire property.

Air monitoring results taken by the EPA of the area reveal that dust suppression efforts may not be working that well. W.R. Grace has 11 ambient air monitoring stations around the site operating all day, every day. In addition, EPA has an ambient air monitoring station at the ball field, which it is using three or four times per week as a check on W.R. Grace monitoring. Test results of EPA ambient air monitoring data indicates asbestos fibers were detected along the perimeter of the site and within the containment zone. To resolve the matter, W.R. Grace will increase dust suppression measures and change filters from all air-filtering devices.

Other Issues

  • W.R. Grace has transported more than 80 truckloads of material to the mine site for disposal.
  • Millworks West has opened up for business along U.S. Highway 2.
  • W.R. Grace expects to be done with remediation by December.
  • W.R. Grace has petitioned the state for an amendment to the bond permit for the Glory Hole. W.R. Grace would like to dispose of the soil on top of this area.
  • W.R. Grace treated the Rainy Creek Road again to help reduce dust problems.
  • W.R. Grace’s offer to purchase the former Export Plant from the City of Libby was taken off the table.

Screening Plant

EPA is finished with the excavation and temporarily stockpiling of debris and soils in the longshed. The agency estimated 60-70,000 cubic yards of soil in the longshed is waiting to be transported to the mine site, along with numerous debris piles. Currently, EPA is placing a geo-synthetic liner down on the soil, then covering this liner with gravel and topsoil.

The archeological group finished its excavation of the historical areas. A full report is due soon. Preliminary information indicates the group uncovered numerous artifacts, such as arrowheads, pots, jewelry, cooking and hunting utensils, which date to 7-10,000 years old.

EPA and W.R. Grace have not come to an agreement on access, and EPA still does not have access to dispose any material at the mine site. A court date for the hearing on this matter is expected to be set soon. If access is not given within the month, EPA will store the soil and material in the longshed over the winter and seek other means for disposal in the spring of 2001. EPA also does not have access to KDC property such as the area across the Kootenai River or adjacent to the screening property. Excavation of these areas is likely to be on hold till next year.

Mine Site Property Issue

W.R. Grace is currently disposing of debris from the former export plant at the mine site.

W.R. Grace is working on a report summarizing information collected during the Glory Hole investigation, well development and water analysis. The report may be done by November.

Medical Center

To date approximately 6,221 residents have been schedule for medical testing. More than 5,171 people have been screened so far. In addition, 69 people from Elko Nevada are registered for the screening.

Recent reports from the medical staff at the hospital state that Lincoln County has the highest rate of asbestos related mortalities in the nation.

Lincoln County Trust Fund

It looks as if Lincoln County (through its commissioners) will retain the services of several attorneys for setting up a Libby Trust that can help people with their long-term medical cost and other county concerns. The county commissioners will be asking the governor to procure some state funds to help finance the group. In addition, the county is preparing a voluntary vermiculite insulation registry program for the county. The county is trying to identify all households, schools, businesses, etc., which have vermiculite present as insulation.

Points of Interest

  • October 20, 2000 is the last day for Lincoln County residents to sign up for the medical screening program.
  • The local hospital has submitted a grant proposal for funding for the medical center on asbestos related diseases.
  • ISSI, EPA’s Risk Assessor (RA) and contract development and organization group for the project went bankrupt last week. Consequently, numerous bills for work have not been paid and the RA for the project is on delay.