Bozeman Residents Warned of Asbestos
Bozeman, Montana residents are being warned that asbestos may be in their homes, gardens, and neighborhoods, reports a story aired on KBZK – TV. Residents of the cities of Helena and Livingston are also being told they may face the same hazards, the story reports.
The asbestos in question originated from the former Karst Mine and other similar mines in Gallatin County, reports Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Karst Mine operated from the early 1900s until the 1950s and mined the anthophyllite type of asbestos, a member of the amphibole group.
“Asbestos insulation milled from ore originating at the Karst Mine is known as Karstolite and has been found in several structures in Bozeman, Helena and Livingston,” said John Podolinsky, Project Officer with the DEQ Asbestos Control Program.
Podolinsky adds that the material was used through the 1950s in homes throughout the area, mostly as attic insulation. “An undetermined number of homes and commercial buildings built before 1960 may contain the insulation. We want to make sure the public is aware of this possibility and if someone finds Karstolite in their home or business that they take proper precautions for handling asbestos,” Podolinsky said.
The DEQ has also detected asbestos in the soil in Bozeman. “Asbestos ore was stockpiled at the Montana Rail Link Asbestos, CMC Asbestos Gallatin Gateway and CMC Asbestos Bozeman sites, and may be found in area soils where it was disposed of or used as fill material,” the story reports. Some sites have been cleaned up while others are currently undergoing clean-up.
The agency has warned residents that if they spot asbestos on their properties or at any other outdoor areas, they should call for an inspector.
“If you think you have found asbestos ore in your yard, park or near hiking trails, do not disturb or transport the soil yourself. Contact the DEQ or refer to our website for more information,” says Colleen Owen, Project Officer with the DEQ Remediation Division.
