Governor Requests Federal Commitment Regarding Libby Superfund Designation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2001
Contact: Mike Foster
406-444-5523

(Helena)-In separate letters sent to Senator Baucus, Senator Burns and Representative Rehberg, Governor Judy Martz has requested federal funding commitments to help facilitate a decision regarding a Superfund designation for Libby.

“A clear understanding of the level of assistance available from the federal government will be very helpful in my decision regarding a National Priority Listing,” said Governor Martz in the letters.

The Governor outlined two key points with regard to Libby’s designation. First is the need for assistance in covering the health care costs of Libby area residents who were affected by contamination from asbestos mining.

“The people of Libby will have ongoing health care needs that must be considered,” said Governor Martz in the letters. “Funding must be established for the continuing health care needs of this population.”

As a part of that approach, Governor Martz recommended the option of a dedicated entitlement or special Medicaid group designation with no income or resource limits. The Governor strongly emphasized the need for a “long-term commitment from federal funding sources that address these concerns.”

Additionally, in recent discussions with Senator Max Baucus, the Senator has indicated a willingness to seek federal funding sources for the funding match needed by Montana to carry forward a National Priorities Listing - also called the Superfund designation.

“During our public meeting with EPA Administrator Christie Todd Whitman, you told me that you could secure the funds necessary to recover the State’s share of the 10% requirement,” Governor Martz stated in her letter to Senator Baucus. “To assist me in making a final decision with regard to a National Priority Listing, I would like to hear your thoughts as to where those funds would be derived, how much you can secure, and when the money would become available to Montana.”

Governor Martz visited Libby on September 7 with Senator Baucus, Senator Burns, Congressman Rehberg, and EPA Administrator Christie Todd Whitman.

The EPA is in the process of completing its structured evaluation of risks to human health and the environment through a hazard ranking system. This score is the primary factor EPA uses to decide if a location with hazardous waste should be on the National Priorities Listing. The scoring will be reviewed by the EPA headquarters and, according to standard procedures, a letter requesting a decision is expected to be sent to Governor Martz in late October or early November. In that letter, the EPA will ask the governor to either support, oppose, or state that she does not oppose listing Libby on the EPA's National Priorities List, synonymous with Superfund designation. As a part of the process, Governor Martz is allowed 30 days to make her decision.

“I understand the many individuals who would like a decision regarding Libby’s listing on the EPA’s National Priorities list to occur immediately,” said Governor Martz prior to her September 7 visit to Libby. “It is critical that a decision is made as quickly as possible, but we also have to work within federal guidelines for these situations. Ultimately, I want to do what is best for the people of Libby, so it is incumbent upon me to get as much information as possible before I make my decision.”

As a part of the standard federal process, the listing is also posted on the U.S. Federal Register for 60 days to allow for public comment. A final decision is expected from EPA after the close of the comment period, early next year.

“The health of the people of Libby is our number one concern,” said Governor Martz. “We will work closely with Administrator Whitman, the EPA and our Congressional Delegation to address both the National Priorities Listing and the health issues that are associated with the vermiculite mine.”

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