Libby Asbestos: Archived Questions and Answers

Q : Why is EPA going to demolish a building downtown?

A : A contaminated building on West 2nd Street between Tony's Muffler and Tire and Epperson Mountaineering must be taken down because the building is structurally unsound. It can not be cleaned safely and can not be demolished safely by untrained crews, therefore EPA will do this work.

The demolition is scheduled to begin mid-June 2005. The demolition and subsequent cleanup is estimated to take two weeks. During the work, part of 2nd Street between Mineral and California will be closed. A portion of the alley between 2nd and 3rd streets between Mineral and California will also be closed.

EPA will work closely with business owners and others who may be affected by these temporary road closures.

The building will be taken down and water will be used to suppress dust. EPA will do extensive monitoring around the site to ensure that the demolition does not result in contamination leaving the site. If contamination is detected on the perimeter of the site, then the surrounding areas will be evaluated to determine if those areas were impacted by the demolition activities. If they are contaminated, they will be cleaned as appropriate. Fore more detail, please refer to the demolition air monitoring plan which is available in the EPA Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave.

June 6, 2005

Q : Does EPA discourage people from communicating with their federal or local elected officials?

A : As a federal agency EPA neither discourages nor encourages people from contacting their federal elected officials for any reason.

EPA is not allowed by law to ask anyone to "lobby" their Senators and Representatives on behalf of any Agency action or decision. We recognize that people have the right to contact their representatives on any issue.

If issues arise, the quickest solution is most often found at the local level. EPA encourages residents to first try and work things out with our cleanup team. If the issues cannot be resolved, residents have the option of contacting their local, state or federal officials.

EPA also has a Regional Ombudsman Program intended to address citizen concerns that cannot be resolved with the site team. The Ombudsman can be reached by calling Sonya Pennock at 1-800 227-8917 x6600.

May 16, 2005

Q : What is EPA doing at J. Neils Park?

A : EPA is cleaning up two softball infields that were found to have trace amounts of asbestos. The soil will be removed and backfilled with clean material. Areas with visible vermiculite near the restrooms will also be cleaned up. Work will start as early as May 5 and is expected to take approximately 2 weeks to complete.

More than 70 soil samples were analyzed. No asbestos was detected in 67 of these samples. A "non-detect" doesn't mean that those samples are completely free of any asbestos, only that analysts could not detect the fibers using state-of-the-art analysis. Asbestos was found at "trace" levels in the three samples where it was detected. "Trace" indicates that the level of asbestos was too low to quantify.

EPA will pay particular attention to dust suppression throughout the cleanup. Water will be sprayed during excavation activities and areas that have not yet ben cleaned will be wetted down at the end of the workday. Air monitoring will be increased around the cleanup area to ensure that adjacent fields may be safely used.

May 2, 2005

Q : What was the EPA meeting about last week?

A : EPA met with local real estate professionals last week. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current status of EPA's cleanup and its effects on real estate transactions. The meeting was in response to calls that EPA has gotten from home buyers, sellers, appraisers, lenders and insurers, and realtors.

EPA continues to work hard to minimize the impacts of Libby's Cleanup on home sales, while still ensuring that potential buyers have access to sampling information on individual properties. Feedback from the real estate community on the actions EPA takes to remove barriers to completing real estate transactions was generally very good.

This was the first of several meetings EPA is planning with local groups this summer. EPA wants to talk with many different groups in the community about current cleanup issues as well as future plans. EPA's goal is to release a Proposed Plan for long-term cleanup by the end of 2005. There will be a formal comment period on the plan after its release. EPA will continue to reach out to community members throughout the year with information that will help people understand the Proposed Plan and how they can comment.

April 18, 2005

Q : When will EPA's Risk Assessment Sampling take place?

A : Risk Assessment Sampling has begun in some cases and will continue throughout most of 2005. A draft sampling plan which outlines EPA goals with this sampling was recently made available. This sampling is aimed at filling gaps in existing sampling data for soils and inside residences. The additional data is needed to support a long-term cleanup plan which EPA would like to propose by the end of 2005.

The draft sampling plan is available in the EPA Information Center. The Libby Area Technical Assistance Group has been given a copy of the plan for review.

The Risk Assessment Sampling will focus on a variety of potential exposure pathways and includes, among others:

children's breathing zone indoors and in outdoor soil areas
indoor air with a focus on the amount of Libby asbestos that gets into the air from dust inside a home
indoor dust with a focus on the amount of Libby asbestos that gets into the dust from outside the home
dust below carpets

April 4, 2005

Q : Am I missing important information about the asbestos cleanup?

A : We hope not! To make sure Libby and Troy residents get information about the cleanup, the decision-making process and how they can participate, EPA will do several new things.

Please look for a short blue postcard survey in the mail from EPA in the next two weeks. You can help EPA and DEQ communicate better by telling us how YOU think we're doing right now and sharing your ideas about how we can improve. We will do a short follow-up survey at the end of the year to measure whether you think we've gotten you the information you wanted.

EPA will start a monthly column in The Western News and The Montanian newspapers which will describe the Superfund Process, EPA's current activities, and how people can get more information about or provide input into those activities and decisions.

EPA will do several radio interviews with information on EPA issues activities and opportunities for public participation.

In the summer of 2005, EPA will present a workshop on the science involved in the cleanup. Attendance will help residents better understand the technical issues that EPA must consider when making cleanup decisions.

March 21, 2005

Q : Is EPA finding any vermiculite or mine waste rock in the Johnston Acres area ?

A : The Johnston Acres drilling work was completed on January 26 - ahead of schedule.

Samplers took 45 samples from 44 holes and EPA did not observe mine waste rock material in any of these samples. EPA will put together a brief report about the findings for review. EPA is currently discussing whether additional analysis on the samples could provide useful information to the project.

Residential cleanup will resume the week of February 21st.

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February 7, 2005

Q : What is the drilling rig doing in Johnston Acres?

A : Johnston Acres is the area of Libby bounded by Cedar Street on the South, Louisiana Ave on the East, Oak Street on the North, and Main Ave. on the West. EPA started subsurface sampling in the area on Monday, January 24. The sampling may extend for up to 2 weeks.

The purpose of the sampling is to identify any potential zones of asbestos contamination that may be encountered during installation of the new City water and sewer services to that area.

January 24, 2005

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Q: What are EPA's 2005 New Year's Resolutions?
A : In 2005 the EPA Team's Goals include:

continuing to conduct thorough investigations where needed
removing the most accessible materials and most significant exposures - as quickly and thoroughly as we can
measuring the effectiveness of the cleanup by doing sampling several months after homes have been cleaned up
involving nationally respected scientists and professionals and cutting edge research in our decision-making
providing timely and accurate information to the public
encouraging public participation in the decision-making process
moving immediately to identify, correct and prevent problems that are brought to our attention
boosting the economy through cleanup money that goes toward salaries, benefits, housing, purchases contracts, and rentals
supporting economic redevelopment in Libby and surrounding area
promoting reuse of formerly contaminated industrial areas
completing a comprehensive cleanup and deleting Libby from the Superfund list

Okay, deleting Libby from the Superfund list in 2005 won't happen, but EPA will reduce risk in Libby as quickly as conditions and funding allow.

EPA wishes Libby residents a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

January 10, 2005

Q : Do the Community Advisory Group (CAG) and Technical Assistance Group (TAG) serve the same purpose?

A : The groups operate differently and have different functions in the community.

The Community Advisory Group (CAG) has existed since January 2000, as a discussion and problem-solving group. It continues as a monthly forum. The group values people with different interests coming together to discuss with EPA, DEQ and each other issues and goals they may share with regard to the asbestos cleanup. Economic redevelopment, the Troy cleanup and the mine site are among the issues that will be discussed in the near future.

The CAG has seen many changes over the years and participated in many community actions. These include:

* formation of several other groups and organizations including the TAG; an independent Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) and a psycho-social support group for people affected by asbestos-related disease.
* a successful application for an EPA grant to create a data base of present and former Libby students.
*active correspondence with decision-makers including W.R. Grace health care program officials; elected officials in Montana and Washington, D.C. and the directors of agencies with the authority to fund and carry out asbestos related health care, research, and cleanup.

The Technical Assistance Group (TAG) receives a grant from EPA to hire an independent technical advisor to interpret complex EPA documents. TAG members discuss the interpretations in their meetings and, in turn, share what they learn with the community. The group also provides input to EPA about community concerns. Members of TAG are actively working with EPA to understand the basic science, key issues and processes involved in the asbestos cleanup. The group will soon be announcing a plan for open forums designed to share technical information and answer questions people may have regarding the cleanup and decision- making process and how the public can be involved in it.

The CAG meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Ponderosa Room at Libby City Hall. The TAG meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Community College on Highway 2. Both CAG and TAG meetings are open to the public and each meeting includes time for public comment and questions.

December 13, 2004

Q : What are the results of EPA's post-cleanup sampling?

A : EPA will continue to test cleanup effectiveness by sampling homes following cleanup completion. To date the results of this post-cleanup sampling are very encouraging.

Samples were taken 1-12 months after the cleanup while residents went about their usual activities in the home. The samples were from stationary indoor air samplers, dust samples and personal air samplers worn by residents.

Of 109 samples, EPA only detected asbestos in five of them. These five were at very low levels, levels which would pass clearance sampling immediately after a cleanup. Based on this first set of post-cleanup sampling results, EPA is confident that the indoor cleanups being done are protective. More of this sampling and other sampling scenarios aimed at ensuring protectiveness will continue on an ongoing basis for the duration of the project.

Q : Will EPA continue work through the winter?

A :Cleanup will continue through mid-December, 2004. Work will be suspended at that time until February, 2005.

EPA cannot do outdoor cleanups during the winter months. Indoor cleanups are difficult to do through the holidays because of scheduling and logistical difficulties. In addition, EPA does not have the budget for full-time workers to work at the current pace for the entire year.

Given these constraints, it is most efficient for EPA to stop work for this period and resume work when weather and scheduling difficulties do not interfere with continuous and steady cleanup.

November 15, 2004

Q : Why were some Libby residences left so long without top soil after contaminated soil was removed?
A : EPA is currently caught up on all properties. The waiting time for top soil has decreased from weeks to days. EPA apologizes for the delay.

EPA's top soil for backfill after excavating contaminated soil used to come from a Libby source. Initially it met government specifications for top soil but, over time, samples from this source showed that the quality deteriorated. This was due to the high clay content characteristic of Libby soils. EPA had to find another source that met specifications.

There was a four-week delay in finding a new source while EPA sampled several potential sources of top soil and waited for the lab analysis.

The closest acceptable source was found 70 miles away, in Eureka. Because of the increased transport time from Eureka, the soil provider hauled on Saturdays to bring in as much soil as possible to have ready in Libby. This process worked fine until transportation and placement of top soil in yards was delayed by several rain events.

EPA does not need more top soil this construction season. A source in Libby has been found for next year's outdoor cleanup.

November 1, 2004

Q : How many local people are working on the Libby asbestos cleanup?

A : Under the new contract, EPA continues to encourage the subcontractors to hire local employees whenever possible. Currently the majority of workers involved in cleanup activities in Libby are from the Libby or Troy area.

Three cleanup contractors - ER, Libby Restoration and MCS - are currently working in Libby. EMSL provides some of the necessary laboratory services in Libby such as sample analysis. CDM has been responsible for investigations, sampling and cleanup oversight in Libby since 1999.

At present there are 90 people working full-time.
61 are local 29 are from out-of-town.

During Fiscal Year 2004 (Oct. 2003 - Sept. 2004), EPA estimates that approximately $8.2 million cleanup dollars went directly into the Libby area economy in the form of salary, benefits, per diem, housing, purchases, contracts, and rentals.

October 18, 2004

Q : Why does EPA clean up vacant properties instead of concentrating on occupied homes and businesses?

A : EPA does not target vacant properties but has cleaned up several of them. The number of vacant properties cleaned up is extremely small compared to the number of properties that were not vacant when cleaned. Many of the properties considered vacant were only temporarily vacant, such as rentals.

Although EPA does not target vacant properties, properties are not removed from the schedule because they are vacant. Reasons for cleaning vacant properties include:

• it makes economic sense to address them if they are vacant

• there are no residents to relocate (cost and resident convenience)

• owners may be in the process of renovation which means less preparation work and less restoration for EPA because the home owner has already made arrangements

• once EPA has completed the meetings, detailed designs and other pre-work to prepare any property for cleanup, it is costly to take it out of the schedule and change plans.

Another reason EPA has cleaned vacant properties is that the property was located next to or very near another scheduled cleanup- sometimes with the same owner. Several vacant property cleanups in 2003 were initial cleanups with very high levels of contamination. In the past people have criticized EPA for NOT cleaning up vacant properties They argued, correctly that occupied properties are more time-consuming and expensive to clean for the reasons mentioned above.

As EPA moves toward more of a geographic basis for scheduling cleanups the incidence of vacant property cleanups may increase or decrease depending on the block of homes. Avoiding the vacant homes, and returning to them later, defeats the purpose of moving to a geographic basis in the first place. Please review EPA's method for selecting properties to cleanup. It was printed as a Q&A in local newspapers on Sept. 8, 2004. It is also available at EPA's Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave. or on EPA's web site at: www.epa.gov/region8/superfund/libby

October 4, 2004

Q : How does EPA choose which homes to cleanup?

A : EPA's goal for property selection is a system where groups of homes in specific geographic areas are cleaned up at around the same time. Cleanup would then shift to the next group of homes. This is slightly different from what currently happens.

Currently, cleanup design managers have made selections in Spring/ Summer 2003 for Spring/Summer 2004 work. After a preliminary design is done and a workplan drafted, a field team leader does a pre-construction field review of the plan with the home owner. This is done about three months before the cleanup. This workplan review and the information gathered at the property is strictly related to cleanup activities.

The database search for this season's cleanup properties was based on the type of cleanup, the proximity of one cleanup to another and the general location of the property.

1) Type of cleanup - The database tells schedulers whether the cleanup will be small or large, outdoor only, indoor only, or both outdoor and indoor and whether there are other unique characteristics complicating the cleanup. These factors influence what time of year is suitable for starting cleanup.

2) Proximity - The database is searched for whether there are two or more properties in close proximity. Cleanup of properties in close proximity is more efficient affording some cost savings with shared resources and coordinated activities. This is why EPA continues to work toward a system where homes are cleaned up in groups of homes in the same part of town. Difficulties EPA has encountered in cleaning residential properties in groups include residents' vacations, holidays, and specials needs requests.

3) Location - EPA has focused on properties within the Libby city limits and the database allows the design manager to choose those properties. The search is not dependent on who owns the property or it's specific use.

This is the current approach. There may be exceptions based on unique circumstances. EPA is still working on a reliable system to be able to tell property owners approximately when the cleanup will occur on their properties.

Q: I'm new to Libby. How can I find out about EPA cleanup activities?

A: Please visit or call the EPA Information Center in Libby. The Center is located at 501 Mineral Ave.

EPA keeps up-to-date technical information about current cleanup activities at the Information Center. Staff is available there to help you locate information about a variety of topics related to the investigation and cleanup of Libby asbestos.

Information Center staff can help you find out about whether your property has been inspected and whether there are plans to conduct a cleanup at the property. If there has not been an inspection at your home, you can request that EPA inspect the property for potential contamination.

If you are interested in receiving periodic updates with information related to the cleanup, please call the information center and ask to be added to the mailing list.

Q: How can renters find information about potential vermiculite in or around a rental property?

A: EPA's Operations and Maintenance Workgroup has been discussing how to notify renters of possible contamination at properties that have not yet been cleaned up. EPA will place the following ad in the "Apartments for Rent" section of the classified ads in the Western News and the Montanian.

"Renters: There is asbestos contamination in and around some Libby residences. Please ask the rental property owner about the results of the Environmental Protection Agency's inspection. The EPA may be planning a cleanup at the property. If you have questions about asbestos or cleanup please call the EPA Information Center in Libby at 293-6194."

This action is meant to help potential renters make informed choices. A list of other actions is available for public review at the EPA Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave. in Libby. EPA welcomes additional ideas.

EPA invites any interested parties to attend the O&M Work Group meetings to hear what the group is discussing. The next meeting will be held from 7:00 am - 9:00 am in the Fireside Room at the Venture in on August 11. Work group notes are also available at the EPA Information Center.

Q : What will Libby Area Technical Assistance Group (LATAG)) board members be meeting with EPA about in Denver?

A : EPA has invited four members of the LATAG Board to travel to Denver for a two-day training session focused on basic issues of science and risk assessment. The Board will also fund their Technical Advisor to attend the session. In addition to TAG representatives, EPA has also invited the Lincoln County Sanitarian. The training will occur on October 5th and 6th.

Topics to be covered in the training include:

Superfund cleanup process
sampling considerations
analytical methods used for asbestos
fundamentals of risk assessment
current state of research in asbestos analysis, risk and health effects
rationale for cleanup and clearance levels
cleanup, contracting and budget processes

EPA has granted funding to the LATAG. The Board uses this funding to hire an independent technical advisor to interpret the scientific documents related to EPA's cleanup of asbestos contaminated vermiculite in Libby. LATAG, in turn, provides this technical information about the cleanup to the public. The group is presently applying for their second grant.

EPA believes that it is important for the Board to understand the science and processes that EPA must rely on. A better understanding of EPA's options, limitations and decisions can lead to more productive discussions of the important issues facing the community.

If you have technical questions about the Asbestos cleanup in Libby, please feel free to call a TAG Board member so that they are aware of your interests. You may also call EPA directly at any time.

Q : What's happening with the BNSF railyard cleanup?

A :BNSF will begin cleanup on the railyard soon. The company has prepared a revised work plan in consultation with EPA and submitted it for review.

Last year, BNSF piloted a method of vacuuming soil through the ballast without moving or removing any tracks or ballast. Because this technique was not able to consistently achieve cleanup standards, EPA and BNSF mutually agreed to stop work. BNSF used the winter to look at alternative approaches.

The new plan calls for:

(1) removing five tracks from the rail yard. Ties and equipment will be decontaminated;

(2) excavating contaminated soil below tracks 1 and 2, and portions of tracks 3 and 5. The soil will be taken to the County landfill;

(3) capping contaminated soil in other areas of the railyard with a geotextile membrane and a soil/gravel mix;

(4) backfilling with appropriate railroad sub-roadbed material and

(5) reconstruction of tracks in a manner suitable to current rail operations.

The work plan and supporting documents are available for public review and comment at the EPA Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave. in Libby. EPA has not approved the documents yet but has reviewed them. EPA will approve them after the public has had a chance to view them. Please send any written comments to Jim Christiansen (8EPR-SR); EPA Region 8; 999 18th St.; Suite 300; Denver, CO 80202-2466.

Once approved, the cleanup is expected to begin in September, 2004 and be completed by the end of November, 2004.

Q: Is EPA using part of the funding recently received to cleanup the Stimson Lumber Mill?

A: EPA's current plan is to clean the central maintenance building at the Mill this summer. Of the $4 million that was recently added to EPA's cleanup budget for Libby, approximately $600 thousand would be used for this property. The rest will go into residential and small business cleanups and emergencies.

Some community members believe that the money should go only to home cleanups. Other community members have clearly expressed eagerness to have the central maintenance building cleaned up so that jobs can be created through businesses that will be able to occupy the space.

EPA believes that cleaning residential properties and commercial properties concurrently benefits the whole community. EPA will continue to spend the majority of response dollars on residential cleanup. EPA's work at Stimson would also benefit the community by turning this contaminated property into an asset instead of a liability due to its current health risks.

Q : What is EPA's Operations and Maintenance Work Group working on?

A: The group has been discussing a couple issues:

notification to renters of possible contamination at a property that has not yet been cleaned up, and
what the cleanup complete letter should say for properties that have already been cleaned up

The group generated some ideas for notifying renters. These proposed actions have been listed in a document for further discussion. The group believes that these actions, when taken, can increase renters' awareness of the potential presence of vermiculite in the attic or other areas in or outside a home. The actions are meant to disclose information and resources that will help potential renters make informed choices. The list of actions is available for public review at the EPA Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave. in Libby. EPA welcomes additional ideas.

The group has also discussed language for a letter that property owners could be given after a cleanup is completed. EPA has finalized the letter and it will be used immediately. A general version of the letter is available to the public at the EPA Information Center. If you have a property that has been cleaned up, you should be receiving a letter that is specific to your property.

EPA invites any interested parties to attend the O&M Work Group meetings to hear for themselves what the group is doing. The next meeting will be held from 7:00 am - 9:00 am in the Fireside Room at the Venture in on July 14. Work group notes are also available at the EPA Information Center.

June 21, 2004

Q: What happened with the construction of the motocross track? Was any asbestos found in the area?

A: Due to concern about potential Libby asbestos contamination in the soil, EPA asked that construction stop until additional sampling could be done. The site's proximity to contaminated areas led EPA to believe additional sampling was necessary. Samples did not show asbestos in the motocross track area and construction of the track has resumed.

EPA contractors inspected the area and conducted sampling on May 15. The samples were taken from the surface and from various depths. Samplers also tried to take samples from the original ground surface so that historic contamination that may have gotten covered could be detected.

No visible vermiculite or other visual indicators of contamination were found. All sample results came back "non-detect" for Libby asbestos. A "non-detect" does not necessarily mean a complete absence of asbestos. However, if even a single asbestos structure is observed during the analysis, the result is reported as "trace" and EPA counts this as a "detect."

The samples were analyzed by a method of polarized light microscopy (PLM) developed specifically by EPA Region 8 for analysis of Libby soils. The method has a detection limit of about .1 - .2% asbestos. EPA's current cleanup level for soils is 1%, however, once a soil cleanup is triggered by the 1% level, EPA cleans up all areas with any detects - even trace. This increases protectiveness and reduces the possibility of having to revisit a property.

For more detailed information on EPA's cleanup levels, please read the "Residential/Commercial Cleanup Action Level and Clearance Criteria" Technical Memorandum dated December 2003. It can be found in the EPA Information Center.

June 7, 2004

Q: What's going on at the Flyway property near the old Screening Plant on Highway 37 ?

A : EPA started a cleanup at this property a few years ago, but did not finish due to winter weather and funding. The site cleanup is now scheduled to be completed this year.

The work plan for completing cleanup has been prepared by W.R. Grace, with input from EPA. The plan calls for removal of contaminated soil from the Flyway and disposal of the waste at the mine. The work plan and associated documents include the work approach, health and safety, and related sampling. They are available for review at the EPA Information Center in Libby at 501 Mineral Ave. EPA has not approved the documents yet but has reviewed them. We will approve them after the public has had a chance to view them.

W.R. Grace and their contractors will conduct and pay for the construction work. EPA will provide oversight and our labs will analyze samples. The work will begin as soon as the work plan is approved, likely around the beginning or middle of June. Preparatory work and coordination with EPA is currently underway.

May 24, 2004

Q: Has the cleanup of the boat ramp area been completed?

A : Yes. Cleanup activities at Riverside Park, adjacent to the former W.R. Grace Export Plant, have been completed. Approximately 8,810 cubic yards of contaminated soil and debris were removed from the Park and riverbank and disposed of at the former W.R. Grace vermiculite mine.

The cleanup encompassed two distinct areas - the park and the riverbanks. Some contamination was left in place after reaching a maximum of 3 feet of soil removal. For future work, such as a waterline to be installed in 2004, City representatives will contact EPA for information and assistance so that construction work can be performed safely.

Every attempt was made to save trees along the riverbank during cleanup activities, but some trees had to be removed to adequately clean the area. The City will be responsible for restoration at the Park.

A detailed closeout report for the cleanup activities is available at the EPA Information Center.

April 19, 2004

Q : Should I do my usual spring yard work and gardening or will EPA come and cleanup my yard this year?

A : If you are concerned about an EPA cleanup undoing the hard work you put into your yard or garden, simply call the EPA Information Center and ask if there are plans to clean up your property in the near future. EPA can tell you whether there are plans to clean up your property within the next three months.

Because of the potential for unforeseen events, even if we know your property will be cleaned up in Spring 2004, EPA can only commit to 30 days advance notice for an exact date. This 30-day notice will not change over the life of the cleanup work.

Unfortunately, EPA cannot clean up all the properties (approximately 1200) right away and so some homes will simply have to wait for a year or for several years. EPA is working on a method of ordering cleanups on a geographic basis so that we can work in a specific area of town and work on a block or two at a time before moving on to the next section.

In the meantime, EPA has developed a fact sheet entitled "Living With Vermiculite" which describes some steps you can take if you must work in and around small amounts of vermiculite such as may be found in your yard or garden. The most important step for outdoor work is keeping the area wet to reduce dust.

You may pick up a copy of this fact sheet at the EPA Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave. or call them for a copy to be sent to you.

March 22, 2004

Q:Are the wages of those working on the EPA cleanup really being changed?

A : Yes. The wage rate for most cleanup workers has changed as the scope of work in Libby has changed primarily from heavy construction at the former processing plants to residential cleanup in town.

In considering wage rate changes, EPA is seeking to balance the need to conduct the cleanup efficiently and quickly with the need for strong wages that attract and retain skilled workers. To ensure fairness and consistency with similar jobs and not discourage competition, EPA has asked the Department of Labor (DOL) to make a determination about the rates. EPA expects DOL to provide base wage rates below which a particular labor classification must not go. EPA will release information on the DOL determination soon.

Lowering the wage rate will not reduce the amount of money EPA spends on cleanup or the amount of money spent in Libby. With reduced wages, more workers can be hired and more cleanup done with the available money. Funding is exceptionally tight and EPA is trying to stretch the cleanup dollars as far as possible. Ultimately, while this change may be unfavorable for some workers, it means that more people's health will be protected sooner - EPA's primary goal.

If you want additional information, please pick up a copy of the summary of the changes and the rationale from EPA's Information Center at 501 Mineral Ave. It is open from 8:30 - 5:00 Monday through Friday.

January 26, 2004

Q: I'm interested in bidding on government cleanup work in Libby. Where should I start?

A : The U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe Center's web-site is a good place to start. The site is:

http://www.volpe.dot.gov Click on the "working with us" tab.

EPA has an agreement with the Volpe Center, for investigation and cleanup in Libby. The Volpe Center, in turn, subcontracts to other engineering or cleanup firms - prime contractors. CDM Federal Programs, Inc, for example, has been and will continue working in Libby as a prime investigations and cleanup contractor.

For more information call:
Orin Cook, a Volpe Center Contracting Officer at 617-494-2593.

February 24, 2003

Q : I'm not worried about the health risks from vermiculite in my attic or garden. Why should I let EPA sample or clean it up ?

A : Even if you are not concerned with health risks or don't spend much time in the house, the realty industry may be concerned. By denying access to EPA to sample and clean up asbestos contaminated vermiculite, you may avoid some short-term hassles and impacts such as temporary relocation, but you may directly or indirectly affect the resale value of your property.

EPA remains concerned about your potential health risks associated with contaminated vermiculite as well as the risk to any possible future owner of the home.

EPA will not come back when the project is finished to cleanup individual properties - any expense would be the responsibility of the property owner. Having your property sampled and cleaned up by EPA now may be the best way to avoid health or real estate problems associated with the vermiculite in the future.

July 1, 2002

Q : Will I be charged if EPA does a cleanup on my property?

A : No. If property owners meet certain criteria, EPA assures that they will not be expected to pay cleanup costs.

Both residential and business property owners must meet the following three criteria in order to take advantage of this assurance:

The owner has provided, and will continue to provide, access to EPA for its investigation and/or cleanup;

The owner has NOT actively participated in a for-profit enterprise of distributing, treating, storing or disposing of Libby vermiculite; and

The owner will take appropriate precautions in handling any visible vermiculite in and around his/her property, avoiding, where possible, activities which may spread the vermiculite to other locations.

Further, business owners will be required to sign a certification that they had no knowledge that the vermiculite on their property contained asbestos.

For more information, call:
Matthew Cohn, EPA Legal Enforcement Program at 303-312-6853

September 10, 2001

Q: I hear Environmental Restoration (ER) is being phased out and a new contract for Libby cleanup is in the works. Why?

A : While ER has gotten high marks from the community for their performance, the current contract with ER has nearly reached it's full capacity. There will be a small ER crew working in December to conserve money for January which is generally a more productive work month. SaLUT/MARCOR will continue working until April or May 2004.

EPA will put a larger, more flexible, site specific contract in place in early 2004. It will be a $37 million cleanup contract which will go to three contractors. The U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center hopes to award this contract in January. The transition will begin at that time. This large contract should last through the next four years, with no more revolving contractors. The Request For Proposals (RFP) for the remediation contract is currently available at www.volpe.dot.gov under the "working with us" tab.

November 10, 2003

Q: What is the new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Group I have heard about and who is on it?

A : Operations and Maintenance is an integral part of any Superfund cleanup. It includes a variety of activities that contribute to the long-term effectiveness of the cleanup. Most of the O&M happens after EPA is no longer routinely conducting cleanup activities in the community.

No group has been formed to discuss O&M issues yet. EPA is talking about convening a group and will continue this discussion at community meetings in the near future.

Formation of an O&M group will engage a variety of people who will be directly involved in carrying out and/or paying for cleanup related activities. Discussing a range of perspectives on issues which will be identified by EPA and the group will help achieve long-term acceptance of any O&M plan.

Some important points to remember about this group are:

Development of such a group is not common. EPA typically develops options for long-term O&M and presents them to the public for comment. In Libby, EPA intends to generate and discuss options with Libby/Troy Stakeholders.

The makeup of the group will have to do with function in the community rather than representation of or membership in any other community group. It is essential to involve those people who will implement the O&M plan or potentially face vermiculite in the course of their work.

The focus of the group will be on local implementation rather than issues of policy or risk.

The O&M group will be a discussion group - not a decision making body. In the end, EPA must make decisions regarding cleanup and O&M.

O&M and cleanup plans are subject to extensive public scrutiny under Superfund law. EPA will submit a proposed plan for public comment to CAG, TAG, other organizations, and the general public before making decisions.

September 29, 2003

Q: Why have local workers recently been laid off?

A : Like most outdoor construction work, the pace of cleanup will gradually slow as winter approaches. This means that some workers must be laid off. This summer, EPA had to lay off some workers earlier than expected due to budget concerns and to ensure that work did not come to a complete stop. A total shutdown would be very costly and detrimental to the cleanup.

Next spring, cleanup pace will increase back to peak levels. More workers will be hired at that time. This pattern of having more workers during summer will continue throughout the duration of the cleanup.

September 15, 2003

Q: How many local people are working on the Libby asbestos cleanup?

A : EPA has encouraged contractors to hire local employees whenever possible. The majority of workers involved in cleanup activities in Libby are from the area - Libby or Troy. Below is the breakdown of local and non-local hires for four contractors.

ER has the largest number of employees.

76 people working full-time
69 are local
7 are from out-of-town.
9 part-time employees - all local

CDM has 26 people working full-time

4 are local
22 are from out-of-town

SaLUT has 22 people working full-time

15 are local
7 are from out-of-town.

Volpe has one full-time person from out-of town working.

During Fiscal Year 2003, EPA estimates that approximately $9,000,000 cleanup dollars have gone or will go directly into the Libby area economy in the form of salary, benefits, per diem, housing, purchases, contracts, and rentals.

August 11, 2003