EPA Superfund Site
LIBBY ASBESTOS SITE
MT | EPA ID MT0009083840
About this site’s exposure pathways:
As of October 2025, the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site is considered "Current Human Exposure Not Under Control" due to potential exposures to commercial loggers and firefighters within forested areas around the former mine site and to trespasser rockhounders to mine materials on the former mine site (Operable Unit 3, OU3). This exposure pathway is considered unacceptable based on EPA risk-based criteria because the main exposure scenarios for these areas are for loggers, firefighters, and rockhound trespassers, and remedial action has not yet been taken to address these exposures. Access to most of the area is restricted but there are many access points that cannot be controlled due to the large area of this OU.
Feasibility study work for OU3 is underway by the Potentially Responsible Party (PRP). If you are potentially impacted by risks related to OU3, please contact the Remedial Project Manager or Community Involvement Coordinator for this site.
EPA currently estimates that human exposure for the aforementioned exposure scenarios will be under control by 2040. EPA selected a final remedy in early 2016 for residential and commercial properties in the communities of Libby and Troy (OUs 4 and 7), transportation corridors (OUs 6 and 8), and an industrial park (OU5). EPA has completed investigations at more than 7,600 properties and cleanup at more than 2,600 properties in OUs 4 and 7. These cleanups were completed in October 2018. OUs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 (the former export plant, former screening plant, industrial park, rail and highway corridors), where remedial actions have also been completed, are also considered under control for human exposures. In addition, EPA, the State of Montana, and the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program have an extensive community outreach program which continues to provide residents, workers, and recreationalists with information to reduce exposures to potentially contaminated sources.