Mesothelioma info

Now that the federal government has sealed a $250 million deal with W.R. Grace for the investigation and clean-up of asbestos in Libby, Montana, the state has announced that they are also ready to sign an agreement with the company in regards to the Libby asbestos claims.

According to a KPAX-TV news story, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced a proposed $5.1 million settlement to provide additional money for future cleanup work in Libby. The proposal is being opened for public comment, and must be approved by the federal judge handling the W.R. Grace bankruptcy case. This money would be over and above the federal EPA settlement that was signed earlier this week.

“Since Grace is already paying $250 million for cleanup costs here, we were not going to get a lot of additional funding through the bankruptcy. We are pleased that we were able to get at least a significant sum to help ensure that there is adequate funding to do this cleanup right,” said Richard Opper, director of the DEQ.

The proposed settlement with both the Montana DEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency covers the clean-up of residential and commercial properties in Libby and nearby Troy. Certain areas such as the W.R. Grace Zonolite Mine and the area around the mine, as well as Rainey Creek and the Kootenai River, are to be addressed separately, the article stresses.

Related posts:

1. W.R. Grace settles asbestos cleanup suit for $250 Million
2. Libby Medical Program to Continue
3. Insurers may be required to pay more than $500 million to cover asbestos damages
4. Asbestos victims can sue the state
5. Libby Residents Will Finally Get Their Day In Court