Board of Health forms committee of superfund cleanup liaisons
Two members of the Libby City-County Board of Health have been appointed to be Focus Area Liaisons for both Libby Superfund Sites including the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site, according to a press release issued Wednesday.
“They will work closely with staff, community representatives and regulatory agencies to increase expertise and focus their efforts on projects surrounding the site,” the press release said.
The Board of Health was restructured last fall and is now comprised of seven members including members appointed from Troy, Libby and Eureka. The two appointed members were Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck and Vice Chairman of the Board of Health George Jamison.
Their first project will be to seek individuals to establish the Institutional Controls (IC)s Steering Committee.
ICs are tools that will be developed to protect the remedy implemented by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and manage possible future releases of Libby Amphibole asbestos.
The IC Steering Committee will serve as advisors to the BOH and provide recommendations to the BOH regarding ICs proposed by EPA and MT DEQ.
“It is not feasible to remove every fiber of asbestos from the area; therefore the amphibole asbestos will remain in areas: sealed in walls, contaminated soil beneath a clean surface and other inaccessible areas,” the press release said. “ICs will be implemented to ensure that EPA’s remedy remains intact and protecting public health.”
On top of forming the IC Steering Committee, the City-County Board of Health is taking on immediate projects including reviewing and updating all health regulations, ordinances and policies.
“Collaboration between agencies and the community is essential in order to ensure a successful program,” Chair of the Board of Health Jan Ivers said. “The board believes that community involvement through the development process is necessary.”
The Board is seeking individuals for the IC Steering Committee to participate in the development of ICs for the Site. Interested individuals are required to submit an application and be interviewed. Recommendations will be made to the board for appointments.
“This is a complex undertaking and we need members that represent the community and who are willing to actively participate and contribute to a successful outcome,” Jamison said.
The application and details regarding the committee structure are available at the 418 Mineral Avenue and online at www.lincolncountymt.us/about/lincoln-county-board-of-health. For further questions please call, 406-283-2462. Applications must be returned by March 30 to ARP, 418 Mineral Avenue, Libby, MT 59923.