After twenty years that saw intense regulation and testing and multiple mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses and deaths, the cleanup of two asbestos-contaminated rail lines in northwestern Montana is nearing completion.
Asbestos Site Responsible for Countless Mesothelioma Deaths
The area surrounding the W.R. Grace and Company vermiculite mine has been blamed for countless deaths from malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Though the mine was the source of contamination, its toxic materials were carried into surrounding towns in numerous ways, including rail cars that carried the carcinogen from Montana across the country.
Studies have shown that when asbestos was carried on the railroad in open cars, its dust contaminated soil for miles, and the result was an extension of the mesothelioma circle far beyond the town of Libby, Montana, where the mine was located. As a result, years were spent removing 800 dump truck loads of contaminated soil from the area and taking it to a landfill. Now the Environmental Protection Agency and Montana Department of Environmental Quality are suggesting that the work is close to completed.
BNSF Railway Pledges to Continue Efforts to Prevent Mesothelioma
Though mesothelioma advocates have expressed concern about residual asbestos on the 42 miles of railroad are completed, BNSF Railway has signed a consent decree pledging that they will continue to manage the area with an eye to safety. The decree indicates that soil and building materials that may still contain asbestos will not be disturbed as the company continues to operate the railroad. The public will vote on whether the property should be removed from the EPA’s superfund list site this fall.
Though some continue to be concerned about the risk of mesothelioma from the railway, Libby’s mayor has indicated that the biggest vulnerability lies in the homes of residents who have not had vermiculite removed from their homes. Though more than 2,600 private, public, and commercial structures underwent cleanup, some owners refused the intervention.
If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos-contaminated material and diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
