Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

G-I Holdings is a building supply holding company that inherited asbestos-related liability from a formerly operated asbestos mine in Vermont. G-I has been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy since 2001. 

 

The U.S. Department of Justice and state of Vermont announced that G-I Holdings Inc. has agreed to pay up to $300 million to address asbestos contamination caused by the chrysotile asbestos mine and mill in Vermont as well as other sites throughout the country. 

 

The Vermont Asbestos Group Mine Site (VAG) covers 1, 673 acres. The mine was closed in 1993; however the site remains contaminated with asbestos, which is allegedly causing contamination into waters and wetlands downstream. The site also is used by the general public for recreation activities that have a high likelihood of disturbing the asbestos remains and causing them to become airborne.

 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibers. It was widely used as insulation to protect against heat, fire and erosion. Asbestos, when airborne, can be breathed or ingested into the body and cause several serious illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma.

 

Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, chest or abdomen. Symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear until decades after exposure, and currently there is no known cure. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid all exposure.

 

Due to the toxicity of asbestos and the dangers caused by exposure, regulations and laws were created to address any situations that involve asbestos, including clean up of former mine sites.

 

G-I has agreed to take immediate steps in regards to the VAG site, including building fences, gates and barriers to restrict public access, securing the mill buildings, and providing on-site surveillance. Clean up fees will be reimbursed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state of Vermont at the bankruptcy rate of 8.6% on the dollar. 

 

G-I will also pay for damages to contaminated local wetlands and waterways and for monitoring air emissions from former hazardous sites.  They also agreed to collaborate with the EPA with air quality monitoring and meeting regulatory requirements. G-I will also contribute to clean up efforts at nine other superfund sites over the next decade.