County begins debris cleanup following plywood plant fire

The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department intensified cleanup efforts on Friday in the aftermath of the Libby plywood plant fire.

Preliminary test results from off-site sampling of fire debris detected the presence of amosite and chrysotile asbestos. Amosite asbestos was detected at 2 percent in four of the 13 samples and less than 1 percent in two others, according to testing results from Hygeia Laboratories in Sierra Madre, Calif. Chrysotile asbestos was detected in one sample at less than 1 percent. No other forms of asbestos, including Libby amphibole, were detected.

Meanwhile, cleanup efforts hit full stride on Friday. Kathi Hooper of the Lincoln County Environmental Health Department said wet street cleaning methods were used to clean up debris from Libby-area roadways. The city street department and county road crew completed many streets in their districts. The state highway department began vacuuming highways on Friday morning.

The county contracted with Environmental Restoration to physically pick up debris in high-use areas around the community. ER workers in their protective suits and gear could be seen in various places on Friday around Libby.

All materials will be disposed of at the county’s asbestos landfill cell, the county said.

The City of Libby/Lincoln County Health Board met Friday morning to discuss cleanup efforts and the challenges involved with completely extinguishing the smoldering fire. Paul Rumelhart of the Kootenai Business Park Industrial District said he counted more than 100 hot spots at the fire site at 5:30 a.m. Friday.

Although further discussions involving the industrial district, county and contractor were slated for Friday afternoon, a general consensus suggested that the fire site will be hosed down with water. A pond may be formed to not only contain water but also to allow burning beams to soak.

County officials said they are “uncertain of health risks posed to the public, but will continue cleaning up debris as a precaution.”

The county said it would continue to work closely with DEQ, the Environmental Protection Agency and other local agencies.

The county reminds residents to not disturb any fire debris that may be found on their property. In addition, residents should avoid tracking any debris into homes or cars.

However, if debris is in an area where it must be removed, the following precautions should be taken:

• Wet the material with a fine mist.

• Wear disposable gloves.

• Place the material in a sealable plastic bag.

• Place the gloves in the bag with the debris.

• Dispose of the bag with garbage.

• Do not take the material or bag into the home.

For information, call Lincoln County Environmental Health at 293-7781, ext 228.

For more on the plywood plant fire and environmental concerns, see the March 10 edition of The Western News or check back online as news develops.