Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

For the first time the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared a public health emergency in the small town of Libby, Montana. Libby is the location of a former mine that began excavating asbestos contaminated vermiculite in 1919. It is estimated that approximately 80% of the world’s supply of vermiculite came from the Libby mine. 

 

Unfortunately, the vermiculite mined in the small town was contaminated with asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is now known to be highly carcinogenic. The mined vermiculite was then used in the production of insulation and soil conditioning products, commonly known as Zonolite. 

 

Zonolite products were distributed and used extensively in Libby, as well as nearby communities, states throughout the U.S. and around the world. In 1963, WR Grace bought the Zonolite mine and operated it until the mine closed in 1990. 

 

During the time of operation, the town and nearby areas were heavily contaminated with asbestos – a legacy that continues to haunt residents. Asbestos is known to cause serious diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. With over 200 deaths and more than 1,000 ill due to asbestos exposure, a rate much higher than the national average, the move to offer more aid and clean up efforts is celebrated and welcomed by all concerned.

 

Earlier this year, W.R. Grace and some of its former executives were being criminally charged with conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction of justice in relation to the Libby mine. Federal prosecutors argued that Grace executives knew of the dangers and yet concealed their knowledge of risk to public health from the community. In May, a federal jury acquitted W.R. Grace and dismissed charges against the former executives.

 

The EPA sent an Emergency Response Team to Libby in late 1999 and began immediate investigations into the extent of risk posed by the tremolite asbestos. Three years later, Libby was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List. 

 

Today, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson stated that the conditions in Libby and surrounding areas pose a significant threat to public health and determined that it qualified as a public health emergency. With this declaration, Libby will now get $6 million assistance for local health care providers to screen, diagnose and treat mesothelioma and asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer. In addition, Libby will also receive $125 million from the Obama administration for clean up efforts of contaminated sites.