Vermiculite Expansion Site located in Region 4.
EPA Region 4 is investigating a number of vermiculite Sites associated with the Libby, Montanna vermiculite mine. Vermiculite from the Libby mine is known to contain a percentage of asbestos. Region 4 determines the need for further evaluation based on Site visits and Site information. Please refer to the "FRAMEWORK FOR INVESTIGATING ASBESTOS-CONTAMINATED SUPERFUND SITES" document on this web page for further specifics of Site evaluation.
Zonolite Company/ WR Grace/ Scotts Sierra was a Vermiculite expansion facility located in Travellers Rest, South Carolina. This is non-active Site which is partially fenced. The Site contained two main building structures divided by a rail spur. In 2010, all Site buildings were demolished. The Site was opened in 1946 and continued expansion operations through 2001. The property encompases approximatly 41 acres.
The former rail spur was converted into a public trail/exercise route, which is heavily used.
According to an EPA database compiled from W.R. Grace shipping invoices, this site received approximately 11,000 tons of Libby ore between January 1967 and July 1981.
Based on the results of EPA sampling and a subsequent risk assessment, further action was warranted focussed on the former rail spur. Under EPA oversite, W.R. Grace completed excavation of contaminated soils and confirmation samples.
No further action by EPA is anticipated at this time.
