EPA declares public health emergency in Libby

The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday declared a public health emergency in Libby designed to intensify cleanup efforts and provide better health protections to local residents impacted by asbestos-related diseases.

Lisa Jackson, EPA administrator, announced the declaration during a news conference on Wednesday in Washington.

“This is a tragic public health situation that has not received the recognition it deserves by the federal government for far too long,” Jackson said. “We’re making a long-delayed commitment to the people of Libby and Troy. Based on a rigorous re-evaluation of the situation on the ground, we will continue to move aggressively on the cleanup efforts and protect the health of the people.”

Sen. Max Baucus called it a “truly historic day for the people of Libby.”

“This is the first time in American history that we’ve had this declaration and I cannot think of a more appropriate time and place,” Baucus said after sharing how he was personally impacted by the story of Les Skramstad and struggles of that Libby family.

“Les Skramstad is no longer with us. He died, and others in Libby have died,” Baucus said. “The declaration is what was needed.”

Jackson said the declaration serves as a reminder of what can happen when hazardous materials are not properly handled. She said the EPA is re-committing itself to “getting the job done right” and added that a signed memorandum will ensure financial resources for the cleanup.

Baucus worked on the public health emergency declaration for years.

“This is a great day for Libby. This is a town that was poisoned by W.R. Grace, then had to wait year after year as the last administration failed to determine that a public health emergency exists. But today is a new day,” he said.

The Libby asbestos site includes portions of the towns of Libby and Troy and the inactive vermiculite mine seven miles northeast of town. Gold miners discovered vermiculite in Libby in 1881. In the 1920s, the Zonolite Co., formed and began mining the vermiculite. In 1963, W.R. Grace bought the Zonolite mining operations. The mine closed in 1990.

It is estimated that the Libby mine was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919-90.

The public health emergency declaration is specific to the Libby-Troy Superfund site.

 “There are towns and cities across the United States with vermiculite insulation in their homes and commercial buildings,” Jackson said. “EPA’s advice remains the same – that it be left in place and undisturbed. We don’t believe cleanup actions are needed outside of Libby and Troy at this time.”

However, Jackson did add that the EPA is launching a national education program on vermiculite insulation.

Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, lauded Jackson’s decision and said her agency will partner with the EPA to help Libby residents.

Two agencies that fall under the HHS – the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry – will support a new grant to assist residents who need medical care, Sebelius said.

“For way too long, many here in Washington have turned a blind eye to the residents in Libby,” Sebelius said. “Administrator Jackson and I are here to say those days are over.”

Local officials are currently putting together a grant proposal that will detail options for provision of medical care. Sebelius said she anticipates that the grant can be awarded by Aug. 1.

The Libby asbestos site has been on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List since 2002, and cleanup has taken place since 2000. EPA has made progress in helping to remove the threat of asbestos and while cleanup efforts have greatly reduced exposure, actual and potential releases of amphibole asbestos remain a significant threat to public health in the area.

Jackson’s declaration fell under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as CERCLA or Superfund.

Sen. Jon Tester was glad to see Libby get some justice.

“I come from a small town in Montana and I know small-town environments,” Tester said. “Those folks work hard, they play by the rules, they do their jobs, they pay their bills, they teach their children right from wrong and they look out for each other. The system let Libby down for too long.”

Tester believes the community will make a comeback.

“I can tell you the people of Libby want their future back,” Tester said. “Libby is a proud timber community. They want to work building their future.

“We still have a long way to go to do the right thing for the residents of Libby,” Tester added. “Working together … we’re making some progress. And that’s a good thing.”