Letter: Former property owner questions testimony

Dear Editor:

This letter is in regards to the W.R. Grace trial that was recently concluded in Missoula.

In 1988, I bought a home near Lower Quartz Creek in the Libby area from one of the defendents, William McCaig. I lived in that home from late 1988 until early 2006 when I sold it and moved on.

I owned and lived in that house early this decade when the Environmental Protection Agency tested properties around Libby for asbestos. They sampled areas in the house, yard and the large garden area behind the house.

The report they gave me was negative. I was particularly happy about the negative result for the garden area since I was aware that vermiculite from the Grace mine had been used in gardens all around Libby.

So, I was stunned upon hearing in a televised news report that defense testimony included a statement that the McCaig family had brought vermiculite to the property and mulched it into the garden, thinking it was safe to do so.

I have not read the testimony myself. I heard it reported on TV. So, I make no accusations here. But I urge someone to review the report on this property which is on file with the EPA, review the testimony and draw your own conclusions.

Bruce Chadwick

Kalispell