Vermont Asbestos Mine Damages Wetlands

State analysis has shown that there is a high level of asbestos in stream sediments close to the Asbestos Group mine located on Belvidere Mountain.

The asbestos has reportedly polluted two brooks and a pond in the Lamoille and Missisquoi watersheds and has damaged more than eight wetlands in the surrounding areas.

Local Residents Concerned

According to officials, the environmental damages have only affected the waterways close to the mines, but those living in the surrounding areas are concerned about the possibility of environmental poisoning.

“We are concerned there could be some catastrophic event at the site where a whole mound, a big chunk, could slide into the waterway,” says Bill Bress, a toxicologist at the state Health Department.

Environmental officials have also said that they are worried about ATV riders and others in the area who use the property that could stir up dust.

State Asks EPA for Help

Earlier this year, the state Agency of Natural Resources asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for help with the asbestos problem.

Last week the EPA reportedly finished the first round of work on the mine property to stop the continuing erosion.

The government recently barred access to its work at the mine to anyone who hasn’t taken at least 24 hours of safety training.

(Source: Burlington Free Press)

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