Agencies announce fire season measures at Libby Superfund site

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Forest Service jointly authorized 2017 fire season measures at a portion of the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site that includes the former vermiculite mine, according to an EPA news release.

“The action will provide dedicated aerial support to be stationed in Libby and specially trained wildland firefighters in areas surrounding W.R. Grace’s former vermiculite mine,” the news release states. “The action will also protect firefighters from exposure to Libby Amphibole asbestos (LA) which is present in forested areas surrounding the former mine site.”

In addition, the EPA notes in the release that it is “working with the State of Montana, W.R. Grace and other stakeholders on long-term cleanup options that would reduce exposures to wildland firefighters at the former mine and forested areas as part of the final remedy.”