EPA and Vermont Working Together to Solve Asbestos Mine Problem

State of Vermont officials have released a new statement about the urgent need for investigating the impact of an abandoned asbestos mine in Colchester. The mine, located near the towns of Eden and Lowell, has been tagged with a health warning due to asbestos risks.

Scientists studied medical records and death certificates from residents within ten miles of the abandoned asbestos mine and found a significant increase in the risk of asbestos-related cancer such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

The latter of these diseases most commonly develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the heart and abdomen.

People who live close to the mine have as much as a twelve-fold increase in the likelihood they will pass away from asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma as compared to people who live further away.

The state has also been investigating the possibility that asbestos tailings from the mine have been used by locals or businesses for purposes such as fill on driveways, roads, gardens, or for any other uses.

Human Services Secretary Cynthia D. LaWare and Natural Resources Secretary George R. Crombie say the state of Vermont is investigating all possible resolutions for the problem and is working closely with the federal Environmental Protection agency and the United States Department of Justice.

The EPA is beginning to evaluate the abandoned mine to determine whether it is eligible for a spot on the Superfund list. That move would make the site eligible for federal funding to clean up the site and remove the dangerous asbestos. The agency has already spent $2 million on a smaller scale cleanup effort at the site.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice filed pleadings this week in a New Jersey federal district court. The department is seeking an injunction against the former owner of the abandoned mine, G-1 Holdings. In addition, the department seeks an additional investigation on the potential impact the mine might have on people who live near the mine.

During the ongoing investigation, the Vermont Department of Health stresses that people should stay away from the mine to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 20th, 2008 at 3:19 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.