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EPA briefs commissioners on Libby asbestos cleanup, says public-health emergency will remain until OU3 remedial action is complete
Summary
EPA project staff updated Lincoln County on the Libby asbestos Superfund site, saying five of eight operable units are partially deleted, OU3 (the former vermiculite mine) requires further remedial work, and EPA will seek public input on a proposed plan (targeting 2027); ATSDR is conducting health studies comparing Lincoln County to the rest of Montana.
EPA representatives told the board that five of eight operable units at the Libby asbestos Superfund site have been partially deleted from the National Priorities List and that ongoing operation-and-maintenance activities remain protective. EPA staff said operable unit 3 — the former vermiculite mine — remains the outstanding cleanup priority and that the public-health emergency declaration will not be lifted until OU3 remedial action is completed and HHS/ATSDR concur.
Beth Archer (EPA communications) and Daniel Zer (EPA project manager) summarized a recent literature review of health studies and described planned steps: EPA and state partners will review the draft feasibility study for OU3, present alternatives at a public meeting during a proposed 30-day comment period in 2027, and incorporate public feedback into the responsiveness summary when selecting a preferred alternative. "Public health emergency will not be lifted till OU3 remedial action is completed," the EPA representative said.
