Vermont officials investigating use of asbestos waste from Belvidere Mountain mine
In the wake of a study showing that the risk of dying from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases is higher in the towns surrounding the abandoned Belvidere Mountain asbestos mine in Eden and Lowell, Vermont state officials are investigating how asbestos-containing material from the mine were used. The mine used to be the largest asbestos source in the United States; the site covers 2,000 acres in Lamoille County. Officials are investigating whether the waste might have been used in roadwork or other construction projects, providing possible routes for asbestos exposure to area residents.
Rock tailings from the mine still contain asbestos that was not effectively extracted from the ore. This material, left in huge piles around the mine, has started to migrate into wetlands and pollute the headwaters leading into the Missisquoi and Lamoille Rivers. But not all of the tailings remained on the mine site, and officials are seeking the help of area residents to determine where the material might have been used.
Public meetings are planned for December.
For the full story, go to Vermont Public Radio.
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