Former Amoco refinery site in Wyoming, Green Belt may be contaminated with asbestos
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has placed warning signs along a Green Belt path in Laramie to caution residents that the surrounding area may be contaminated with asbestos. People and animals are warned to stay on the asphalt pathway to avoid stirring up contaminated dirt.
Until the 1920s, there used to be an Amoco refinery operating in the area. The land is still owned by BP Amoco, and there is an easement between BP Amoco and the City of Laramie allowing for public access on the Green Belt. The DEQ has informed BP that they will need to come up with an asbestos assessment and mitigation plan.
The Laramie Parks and Recreation Director stated that the health risks to the public and city workers are minimal as long as everyone stays on the pathway. He also said that BP could decide to end the easement if there was too much risk, but that won’t be determined until the company visits and evaluates the site. Signage along the Green Belt will be updated as new information becomes available.
For the full story, go to Laramie Boomerang.
