E.P.A. Declares Final Cleanup Project for Libby and Troy

Investigation or Cleanup Complete at 7,100 of 8,000 properties

Contact: Lisa McClain-Vanderpool, 303-312-6077; Jennifer Lane, 303-312-6813

Denver, Colo. - February 8, 2016 -The E.P.A. (EPA), in consultation with the State of Montana, has selected a final remedial project for the communities of Libby and Troy at the Libby Asbestos Superfund Location in Northwest Montana.

The final remedy includes the cleanup work that E.P.A. has been conducting in recent years, with the addition of a long-term project to manage Libby Amphibole asbestos that might be encountered following cleanup. The remedy was selected following a 90-day public review period and careful review of comments received. The former vermiculite mine and forested areas will be addressed under a separate plan.

Under this final plan, E.P.A. will continue to replace contaminated soil with clean soil and remove and dispose of accessible contaminated building materials at remaining properties. E.P.A. and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality will also work closely with community members to develop and implement a robust project for institutional controls to make sure the remedy remains protective.

EPA's risk assessment, announced November 20^th, confirmed that cleanups to date have been protective and E.P.A. does not need to return to properties where previous removal actions were completed. Since 2002 when the Location was placed on EPA's National Priorities List, E.P.A. has significantly reduced the potential for exposure at the site. The agency has investigated in excess of 7,100 properties and completed cleanups at 2,275 properties.

"This decision brings finality to in excess of 7,000 properties where E.P.A. has taken action during the past 14 years," said Shaun McGrath, E.P.A. Regional Administrator in Denver. "It is our hope that this significant milestone will help this community continue to look forward."

E.P.A. estimates that cleanup is still needed at a few hundred properties and expects to complete the final phase of cleanup in the next 2 to 3 years. The agency is seeking access from the owners of about 700 properties and encourages them to contact EPA's Libby Information Office at 406-293-6194.

Copies of EPA's decision document, called a Record of Decision, are accessible at EPA's office in Libby and it will be posted tomorrow to EPA's web Location at www.epa.gov/superfund/libby-asbestos

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