W.R. Grace To Foot Bill For Libby Cleanup

Sat., May 27, 2000

From Staff

The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered W.R. Grace & Co. to clean up a vermiculite processing site contaminated with high levels of asbestos.

The agency also plans to begin cleanup of a second processing site connected to the now-closed vermiculite mine operated by Grace until 1990.

An EPA official said Friday the cost of the projects could be more than $5 million and Grace is expected to foot the bill.

Vermiculite is a mica-like material most commonly used in horticulture for its ability to absorb water. It is also used as insulation and as an asbestos substitute in brake shoes and firewall liners in vehicles.

Recent EPA tests detected dangerous concentrations of asbestos in soil, air and dust at the vermiculite processing sites.

Grace operated the Libby vermiculite mine north of town for 27 years. News reports last fall revealed almost 200 former miners and family members have died of asbestos-related diseases, and 372 residents had been diagnosed with such illnesses.

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