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NPL Site Narrative for Libby Ground Water Contamination
LIBBY GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION
Libby, Montana
Federal Register Notice: September 8, 1983Conditions at listing (December 1982): The Libby Ground Water Contamination Site covers 1,500 acres in Libby, Montana. In April 1979, in response to a homeowner's complaint of an irritating "creosote" odor in water from a new well, the State found elevated levels of pentachlorophenol (PCP). In September 1980, EPA, the State, and St. Regis Paper Co. discussed possible sources of contamination, including the way the company disposed in the past of creosote and other preservatives formerly used to treat wood.
In June 1981, EPA and county officials tested 11 wells in the Libby area for PCP and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon components of creosote. Significant levels of these contaminants were found in some wells.
Status (July 1983): St. Regis is sampling ground water to define the extent of contamination. Results are expected in July 1983.
For more information about the hazardous substances identified in this narrative summary, including general information regarding the effects of exposure to these substances on human health, please see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs. ATSDR ToxFAQs can be found on the Internet at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html or by telephone at 1-888-42-ATSDR or 1-888-422-8737.