W.R. Grace RODs signed
Libby native wins Maryland award Records of Decision for remedies for asbestos cleanup
by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio
May 17, 2010
Records of Decisions for the former W.R. Grace Export and Screening plants in Libby were signed May 10th by Richard Opper, Director of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and Carol Campbell, Assistant Regional Administrator for Ecosystems Protection in EPA's Region 8. The Records of Decision (RODs) determine the remedies for the cleanup of two prominent properties within the Superfund site.
EPA's proposed plans were amended, says the EPA, to address the concerns of the citizens in Lincoln County to protect human health and the environment, a combination of soil removal and containment (capping) will be used to break the critical soil-to-air exposure pathway.
Upon hearing of the signing of the ROD, Senator Max Baucus immediately wrote to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Tuesday pressing for her confirmation of EPA commitments to post remediation sampling, public involvement in the planning, risk assessments and toxicity studies, reevaluation of the remedies, incorporation of final assessments and studies in remedies, five year reviews, and protection of health in Libby.
Local officials seemed to be caught off guard with the decision which was signed in Kalispell unbeknown to local officials.
Senator Max Baucus fought to get the clean-up process in Libby started, highlighting the need to protect the health of the people in Libby. He has doggedly pressed for funding and pushed the Agency to perform the risk assessments and toxicity studies that are needed. In November, Baucus sent a letter to the EPA asking the EPA to justify its action at OU1 and OU2 with regard to the protection of public health. The EPA responded in December and the Senator's staff have met with EPA officials continuously on the matter to ensure that every step possible is taken to protect public health during this clean-up process. Baucus sent the follow up letter Tuesday to confirm what was discussed in those meetings.
"My number one priority has always been protecting the health and safety of people in Libby," said Baucus. "We need to hold EPA's feet to the fire and be sure that the clean-up gets done and gets done right. Our shared goal is to make sure Libby can continue to heal and residents can get back to living healthy lives", Baucus told KLCB.
Jackson promised Baucus during her confirmation hearing she would personally come to Libby to review the Superfund site. She has yet to do so.
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Story by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio, www.todaysbestcountryonline.com, e-mail:
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