Asbestos in Montana

Montana faces significant challenges with asbestos, primarily due to the legacy of the Libby vermiculite mine, which contaminated the town and surrounding areas with asbestos-laden dust, leading to widespread health issues.

While asbestos was not extensively mined throughout Montana, the infamous Libby vermiculite mine operated for decades, exposing workers and residents to dangerous levels of asbestos. This contamination has had a devastating impact on the community. Learn about Montana's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and the resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Montana

Explore 154 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Montana.

Job Site	City	State
ACandS	Billings	MT
ACandS	Butte	MT
ACandS	Missoula	MT
Alcotane (A/K/A Holly Sugar Company)	Hardin	MT
Amalgamated Sugar	Whitehall	MT
Amalgamated Sugar	Missoula	MT
American Crystal Sugar	Missoula	MT
American Smelting & Refining	East Helena	MT
Anaconda	Butte	MT
Anaconda	Black Eagle	MT
Anaconda	Columbia Falls	MT
Anaconda	Conkelley	MT
Anaconda-Butte	Great Falls	MT
Anaconda Central High School	Anaconda	MT
Anaconda Copper	Anaconda	MT

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Montana

Miners and Mill Workers: Workers at the Libby vermiculite mine and associated processing facilities faced the highest risk of asbestos exposure (Example: W.R. Grace mine and processing plant in Libby).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was used in various building materials in older structures throughout Montana (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was used for insulation and fireproofing in power plants across the state (Example: Colstrip Power Plant).

Montana Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Montana has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

The DEQ oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos abatement contractors
Issuing permits for asbestos removal projects
Ensuring proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials
Providing guidance on managing asbestos in public buildings and schools.

Montana Department of Labor & Industry

The Department of Labor & Industry enforces workplace safety regulations related to asbestos exposure, including:

Establishing permissible exposure limits for asbestos fibers
Mandating worker training and certification for asbestos-related tasks
Requiring the use of personal protective equipment to minimize exposure.

Key Laws and Regulations:

Montana Asbestos Control Program: This program regulates asbestos abatement activities to protect public health and the environment.
Montana Occupational Health Rules: These rules incorporate federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Asbestos:https://deq.mt.gov/cleanupandrec/Programs/asbestos
Montana Department of Labor & Industry - Occupational Safety and Health: https://erd.dli.mt.gov/safety-health/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Libby Asbestos: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Healthenv&id=0801744

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Montana?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Montana law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.