Libby, Montana is a town that has been riddled with asbestos-related problems for decades. Located near a now-closed W. R. Grace vermiculate mine, the area is now considered a federal Superfund site due to asbestos contamination. Over the years, hundreds have developed health issues and approximately 200 deaths have been attributed to asbestos-related illnesses.

For years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have been working to clean up and monitor the area.

However, recent reports indicate that neither agency knows how safe the area has become. Because of this, Montana Senator Jon Tester has called for greater collaboration between the two agencies.

Sen. Tester believes that better communication will lead to improved cleanup efforts and strengthened healthcare for Libby residents.

The senator’s call for reform comes after EPA administrators were unable to answer his question of “how clean is clean,” instead directing him to check with the DHHS.

Since the two agencies have similar goals and duties, a formal collaboration would be a “giant leap forward in meeting some of the challenges that occur in Libby,” Tester said.

Hopefully, a new commitment to communication will serve to benefit the town of Libby and reduce future instances of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

With the tragedies we’ve seen as mesothelioma lawyers, we’re frustrated for and empathize with the Libby community and the many families affected by this horrible substance; and band together with other advocates to call for continued human and environmental protection from asbestos.