Cleaning up Vermont asbestos mine could cost over $200 million
State and federal officials say that the cleanup of the former Belvidere Mountain asbestos mine located in Lowell and Eden could cost in excess of $200 million. The State of Vermont hopes to recoup the cleanup costs from two owners of the former mine. G-1 Holdings, the successor to GAF Corp. which owned the mine until 1975, is currently in bankruptcy; and the state will attempt to recover as much as possible through the bankruptcy court. After 1975, the mine was owned by the Vermont Asbestos Group, which the state has sued in Vermont state court.
Asbestos left in the piles of waste rock at the site is a continuing risk because asbestos exposure, even at low levels, increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. And in fact, a recent study from the Vermont Health Department found an increased incidence of lung cancer and asbestosis among those living near the mine.
The United States EPA spent close to $2 million to deal with asbestos that was escaping from the site into nearly streams and wetlands. The EPA is also considering whether the Belvidere Mountain asbestos mine should be added to the Superfund list, opening up additional funds for the cleanup.
For the full story, go to the Burlington Free Press.
