Montana Announces Proposed Asbestos Settlement With W.R. Grace

June 11, 2008

Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality is seeking comment on a proposed settlement agreement with W.R. Grace & Co. that would provide the agency more than $5 million for costs related to the cleanup of asbestos contamination in Libby, Mont.

The DEQ says the agreement is separate from the recent settlement of claims by the federal government. Under that deal, the chemical maker will reimburse the government $250 million for past and future cleanup of Libby schools, homes and businesses.

The asbestos came from a vermiculite mine near Libby that Grace owned and operated from 1963-90.

The DEQ says all funds received on its claim will be used for operation and maintenance costs related to cleanup in Libby and Troy.

The proposed settlement agreement is available online, at www.deq.mt.gov, or through the DEQ’s Superfund information line, at 800-246-8198. Comments must be received by July 7.

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