Will EPA Study Clean Up Libby's Reputation?

Courtesy EPA

Libby Mayor Doug Roll hopes the Environmental Protection Agency's newhealth risk study could lead to an economic shot in the arm for the community.

Hundreds of local residents died and even more were sickened by asbestos contamination from a now-closed vermiculite mine and processing plant.

EPA'sstudy points out pockets of local asbestos still present danger, but that Libby's air quality has dramatically improved since 1990.

It’s now on par with other Montana cities. Mayor Roll says the study proves Libby is no-longer an unhealthy place to live.

"I'm hoping that this will give those folks that are out there, the reassurance that if they come to Libby, they're not going to have a health problem."

EPA's public meeting in Libby tonight to explain the study and answer questions starts at 7:00 at the city's Ponderosa Room.

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Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065