EPA says Libby-area Superfund remedies are protective; community seeks clarity on partial delisting

EPA officials told Lincoln County commissioners on July 16 that five of eight operable units at the Libby-area Superfund site have been partially deleted or delisted from the National Priorities List and that the agency’s third five‑year review found remedies are protective “based on our current data.” The presentation and subsequent discussion focused on what a partial delisting means for long‑term operations and public confidence.

The update, delivered by EPA project staff and state regulators, summarized site status and ongoing oversight. EPA said operable units 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 are in operation and maintenance (O&M) while operable units 4 and 7 (near Libby and Troy) and operable unit 3 (the former vermiculite mine property) require continued work; OU3 remains in the feasibility‑study phase as officials evaluate cleanup options. The presenters described the partial deletions as “a milestone” but emphasized that O&M programs and five‑year reviews will continue and that the public health emergency associated with the site would not be lifted until OU3 remedial action is completed and both EPA and state health agencies agree.

Commissioners and community members pressed EPA for clearer public information. Several participants said “partial delisting” is confusing and feared it could be mistaken for the site being “finished” or for reduced funding. In response, EPA staff said they will prepare targeted outreach — including fact sheets and website material — to explain precisely what partial deletion does and does not change, and to answer questions about funding for long‑term O&M.

EPA staff also said the agency is consulting the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to review clinic and public‑health registry data from roughly 2000–2025. EPA noted that, because asbestos‑related illnesses have long latencies, trends in disease incidence may take decades to appear. As part of the health‑data review, ATSDR will examine card‑clinic data and other public‑health information to determine whether new evidence would justify revising toxicity values or the risk assessment.

The presentation included several technical clarifications prompted by commissioners: agency staff explained the difference between risk assessment (the scientific estimate of risk given current toxicity values) and risk management (programs to reduce exposure, such as the county’s Asbestos Resource Program, or ARP). EPA staff said community uptake of ARP services has been strong, which supports the protectiveness finding, but they also said outreach can improve to reach people who might attempt hazardous do‑it‑yourself work.

On air‑quality and particulate concerns, presenters noted that asbestos fibers are one component of particulate matter and urged residents to follow general air‑quality precautions (for example, avoiding outdoor exertion on smoky or dusty days). EPA staff said ambient air measurements in Libby are far lower than during the mine’s operation and expressed hope the health data will show a downward trend over time.

WR Grace, the company conducting some work at OU3, was represented at the meeting; a company representative offered to schedule site tours for commissioners and coordinate messaging with the Forest Service and county staff. EPA said it plans to return in the fall with additional ATSDR findings and further public engagement.

The presentation concluded with a commitment from EPA to prepare clearer outreach materials explaining partial delisting, the role of O&M funding, and next steps for the OU3 feasibility study. The county will coordinate scheduling for possible site tours and follow‑up briefings.

Ending: EPA will consult ATSDR and return to Lincoln County with more detailed health‑data findings and outreach materials in the fall; commissioners asked staff to coordinate future messaging with local agencies and WR Grace.