Asbestos in Wyoming

Wyoming's legacy of mining and energy production, coupled with the presence of naturally occurring asbestos, contributes to the potential for asbestos exposure in the state, posing health risks to workers and residents.

Wyoming faces unique challenges with asbestos due to its history of mining and energy production, including uranium and vermiculite mines where asbestos was often present. Additionally, naturally occurring asbestos can be found in some areas of the state. This widespread presence of asbestos in both industrial settings and the natural environment necessitates awareness and proper management to protect public health. Learn about Wyoming's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and the resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Wyoming

Explore 160 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Wyoming.

Job Site	City	State
Allied Chemical	Green River	WY
American Oil	Riverton	WY
American Oil	Casper	WY
American Oil	Powell	WY
Atlantic Richfield	Sinclair	WY
Basin Electric Power	Wheatland	WY
Becker Brewing & Malting	Evanston	WY
Black Hills Power & Light	Osage	WY
Black Hills Power & Light	Wyodak	WY
Black Hills Power & Light	Gillette	WY
Blue Cross Blue Shield	Cheyenne	WY
California Pipeline	Laramie	WY
Casper Supply	Casper	WY
Central Coal & Coke	Rock Springs	WY
Chevron	Evanston	WY

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Wyoming

Miners: Uranium and vermiculite mining operations in Wyoming historically exposed workers to asbestos fibers (Example: Shirley Basin uranium mines).
Oil and Gas Workers: Asbestos was used in various applications in the oil and gas industry, including insulation, gaskets, and drilling muds (Example: Oil and gas fields in the Powder River Basin).
Construction Workers: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials in older structures across Wyoming (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Power Plant Workers: Coal-fired power plants in Wyoming often utilized asbestos for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Jim Bridger Power Plant).

Wyoming Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Wyoming has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (WYOSHA).

yoming 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.

Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (WYOSHA)

WYOSHA 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

Wyoming Air Quality Standards and Regulations, Chapter 8, Section 3: This section addresses asbestos emissions and control measures, including requirements for asbestos abatement projects.
Wyoming Occupational Health and Safety Rules, Chapter 11: This chapter incorporates federal OSHA standards for asbestos exposure, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Asbestos: http://deq.wyoming.gov/aqd/compliance/asbestos/
Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Asbestos: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3507.pdf
Wyoming Secretary of State - Rules and Regulations: https://rules.wyo.gov/

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Wyoming?

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