KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) - A federal environmental agency has announced preparations to hand off control of a cleanup site to the state of Montana in 2020.
The Flathead Beacon reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been drafting an institutional controls proposal to help maintain the Libby Superfund site designated in 2002.
Officials say cleanup was completed on the site and in areas near Troy also affected.
Federal officials say a vermiculite mine polluted the region with asbestos responsible for sickening at least 3,000 people and killing another 400 people.
Officials say much of the asbestos was left in place in building walls or underground, but so long as the material is not disturbed it does not pose a threat to the public.
Officials say public comment is expected in the coming weeks.
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Information from: Flathead Beacon, http://www.flatheadbeacon.com
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