Is it safe to work in Libby but live in Troy? (Helena: renting, homes)

[6.7traveler]

Leaving Alaska and heading down south to Montana. We have friends in Helena but didn't feel like it was 100% for us. I have an internet business so I require no local employment. My wife is an Rn and we have noticed LOTS of Rn jobs in Libby. I have read about the asbestos problem and would not want her or my kids to be in any danger. Would it be safe to live in troy and commute to Libby or should I just avoid the area at all costs? We wouldn't be renting as we have our 5th wheel trailer and would build something new when the time comes. Is there any way to mitigate the asbestos risk in this beautiful area?

[historyfan]

There are lots of pretty places that are not Superfund sites.

[6.7traveler]

I definitely agree with you but have heard conflicting reports of its not safe / it is safe. Could they really operate a hospital that was a health risk to employees? If so, I will stay far away. Come to think of it a little more the whole vibe of the asbestos thing may not be good for ones psyche even if it was "safe".

[Clark Fork Fantast]

My impression is that it could be reasonably safe to live in Troy and work in Libby. I would suggest you get in touch with an RN union rep (I assume you'll be able to find one!) in Libby and find out what the current, updated story is. Also, this website seems up-to-date: CARD: Center for Asbestos Related Diseases in Libby Montana

For many decades, the asbestos contaminated vermiculite was utilized throughout town in many public places such as school tracks, public parks, baseball fields, as insulation in public building and schools. The waste piles next to the little league ball fields were also a popular place for children to play as their friends and siblings played ball. As of January 2005, the EPA stated that “Since November 1999, EPA has cleaned up the major source areas around town.” However, there are many private properties in the Libby area that are still in the midst of the community-wide cleanup process. Contamination of private properties includes the insulation in attics and walls of homes and businesses, and contaminated soil in gardens, yards, driveways, and sandboxes. Although W.R. Grace closed the mine in 1990 and clean up efforts have been underway since 1999 in the Libby area, the past exposures have left a complex array of healthcare and associated problems.

Based on that, I would say that public facilities in Libby should be fairly well taken care of by now, and the remaining problem areas are primarily private residences and businesses. But of course if one works in Libby and lives in Troy, one probably ends up visiting co-workers and friends who live in Libby. It's a judgement call. I love the area, and would choose to live in Troy, anyway, because it is a comfortably small town.