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EPA Completes Seventh Five-Year Review

EPA reviewed the cleanup efforts (remedy) at the Libby Groundwater Superfund site. Lumber and mill operations between 1946 and 1969 contaminated soil and groundwater with hazardous chemicals. At sites where there are restrictions on how the land is used, EPA reviews the cleanup to see if it is protective, or if additional work is needed.

Findings

Public Meeting

Learn more about the findings of the Five-Year review at the public meeting.

• Date: August 5, 6 -7p
• Location: City Hall, Ponderosa Room 952 E Spruce St, Libby, MT 59923
• Virtual Option: Microsoft Teams, Meeting ID: 258 120 142 124 7 Passcode: Me6Qn94i 

Topics:

• Findings of the Five-Year Review
• Revised Remedy Updates

Call Before You Dig - Montana 811

EPA has coordinated with the responsible party, IP, to connect Montana 811 in Libby to the groundwater site.

Call 811 before digging so you know where the groundwater is and what steps to take.

Site Status

The new remedy is in-situ biosparging (ISB). This remedy injects air into the groundwater to allow the existing microorganisms to thrive. While those microorganisms naturally break down the contaminants in the groundwater, in situ biosparging allows them to do it faster.

The system started up in Area 2 (outside of the source area; light green) in October 2024. The system will be fully operational and will include Area 1 (in the source area; teal) in  Spring 2026.

Site Map

Part of Operable Unit 2 is the groundwater plume. It is separated into two sections.

The upper aquifer is ~15 - 70 feet below the surface (purple).

The lower aquifer is ~105 - 160 feet below the surface (teal).

Questions?

Contact EPA's Beth Archer at (720) 512-1917 or archer.elizabeth@epa.gov.