Libby fire leaves asbestos ash behind
A huge fire destroyed the Stimson Lumber plywood plant in Libby, Montana on February 25 and scattered large chunks of ash around town. Some of these chunks of ash have tested positive for asbestos, so residents have been advised not to clean them up.
Asbestos contamination in Libby, caused by W.R. Grace’s vermiculate mining activities, was ubiquitous and has caused widespread mesothelioma. Residents have been warned not to disturb the debris unless absolutely necessary.
City, county, state and federal agencies worked together to determine a cleanup plan. Ash was cleared from the streets using wet-cleaning methods, and state highway workers vacuumed the roadways. Further asbestos abatement work was conducted using local expertise and the county’s asbestos landfill cell.
For the full story, go to Billings Gazette.
