U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed an outdoor clean-up from 2000- 2005 of 268 properties where waste material from the former Western Minerals Product/W.R. Grace plant (WMP) containing “Libby asbestos,” was found.
EPA is now conducting a follow-up assessment to confirm that the Libby asbestos fibers from the WMP plant material were not tracked to the inside of homes before they were cleaned up by EPA.
At this time, EPA has no knowledge or evidence that Libby asbestos fibers from WMP are present in these homes. EPA is conducting this assessment as a precaution to ensure that the health of the residents is protected.
On Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the Logan Park Recreation Center, a public meeting was held at 6:30pm. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) participated in the meeting. Also, the City of Minneapolis was in attendance. On September 17, 2008 at 7:00pm EPA and MDH participated in the Logan Park Neighborhood Meeting.
On Friday, September 12, 2008, EPA and START-Bay West commenced assessment activities. On Wednesday, September 24, 2008, ATSDR, ERT and their contractor, REAC took the first sample. A total of 37 homes were sampled. Two samples were taken from each home: a 24-hour indoor air sample and a dust sample.
The sampling was concluded on Tuesday, September 30, 2008. EPA should receive validated sampling results within 4 months.
