By Marty S. Kanarek
The tailings of the Lowell asbestos mine remain onsite, with minimal regulation and less then adequate safety measures being taken to protect from the potential harms of the mineral. There are a variety of types of asbestos; the negative health consequences of some are better understood than others. Chrysotile asbestos, the type of asbestos that stayed behind as a firm legacy when the mining companies moved out, still inspires medical controversy concerning its human health impacts. This primary source compilies evidence supporting the hypothesis that chrysotile asbestos can lead to mesothelioma. It also mentions numerous other cancers that chrysotile asbestos has been connected to. Due to overwhelming support for a strong causal relationship between chrysotile asbestos and cancers like mesothelioma, the author, Marty S. Kanarek, advocates for an international ban on all types of asbestos. The old Lowell mine site is coated in chrysotile asbestos. Citizens who live nearby, or individuals who visit the site for curiousity or recreation, are potentially in danger because of the powerful, crippling properties of asbestos. If looked at in the context of the Lowell asbestos mine, and the nearby public, this article is an urgent call to action. Clean up is imperative, and time is not going to be generous with chrysotile asbestos.
Article found at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1047279711001803
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Primary Documentation: Summary of 2009 Biological and Chemical assessments within Burgess Branch, Hutchins Brook, Dark Branch and Gihon watersheds
Data Summary and Findings: Vermont Asbestos Group Mine
This document is a summary of a study the EPA in 2008. Soil, air, and dusts samples were collected from the Burgins Branch, Hutchins Brook, Dark Branch, and the Gihon Watersheds, to document asbestos amounts and see if any off-site asbestos exposure was present. Essentially, the study was conducted to see if asbestos is released into the air and could be inhaled by people living near the mine site. Data collected showed that asbestos was present in the air, soil, dust, and materials in surrounding buildings. Out of 66 samples, chrysotile asbestos was detected in 55 of them. Asbestos was found in all the dust samples. Based on this data collected, the Agency recommended several measures. These include restricting access to the mine site, restricting the re-use of tailings, and continuing to monitor the mine site for exposure risks.
Link: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/SMS/VAG/ATSDR-August%202009%20VAG%20Data%20Summary%20and%20Findings.pdf
This document is a summary of a study the EPA in 2008. Soil, air, and dusts samples were collected from the Burgins Branch, Hutchins Brook, Dark Branch, and the Gihon Watersheds, to document asbestos amounts and see if any off-site asbestos exposure was present. Essentially, the study was conducted to see if asbestos is released into the air and could be inhaled by people living near the mine site. Data collected showed that asbestos was present in the air, soil, dust, and materials in surrounding buildings. Out of 66 samples, chrysotile asbestos was detected in 55 of them. Asbestos was found in all the dust samples. Based on this data collected, the Agency recommended several measures. These include restricting access to the mine site, restricting the re-use of tailings, and continuing to monitor the mine site for exposure risks.
Link: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/SMS/VAG/ATSDR-August%202009%20VAG%20Data%20Summary%20and%20Findings.pdf
Popular Article: Repurposing Eden Mines
By David Hallquist
Historically, the impact of the Lowell asbestos mines cannot be overstated. Local communities depended on the mines for over a century before its production was promptly halted in 1993. Since then, the mining property has ceased to yield anything, and has not been applied to any purpose besides being a dump for hazardous asbestos mine tailings. Employment in the area has become a problem. Directing the area towards a renewed and useful future, while creating jobs, would be the ideal situation for these mines. The Lamoille Economic Development Corporation has suggested such a fresh, nonhazardous rehabilitation, to be located on the old-mine site. Biomass, created through tree plantations, could be produced in the area, with easy transportation to powerplants or liquefying operations because of the existing mine infrastructure. Employment would be resurrected with the proposed implementation of biomass production. Before this progressive condition can be attained, however, the mines must first be cleaned. The controversial Superfund status must be secured so that the Lowell mines region can develop into a stronger environmental and economic community.
Article located at: http://vtdigger.org/2012/01/29/hallquist-repurposing-eden-mines/
Historically, the impact of the Lowell asbestos mines cannot be overstated. Local communities depended on the mines for over a century before its production was promptly halted in 1993. Since then, the mining property has ceased to yield anything, and has not been applied to any purpose besides being a dump for hazardous asbestos mine tailings. Employment in the area has become a problem. Directing the area towards a renewed and useful future, while creating jobs, would be the ideal situation for these mines. The Lamoille Economic Development Corporation has suggested such a fresh, nonhazardous rehabilitation, to be located on the old-mine site. Biomass, created through tree plantations, could be produced in the area, with easy transportation to powerplants or liquefying operations because of the existing mine infrastructure. Employment would be resurrected with the proposed implementation of biomass production. Before this progressive condition can be attained, however, the mines must first be cleaned. The controversial Superfund status must be secured so that the Lowell mines region can develop into a stronger environmental and economic community.
Article located at: http://vtdigger.org/2012/01/29/hallquist-repurposing-eden-mines/
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Popular Article: Superfund Status of Lowell Asbestos Mine
Faced with a looming decision, residents of Lowell and Eden fear the “superfund stigma” and property value loss of an intensive EPA clean up of the Lowell Asbestos Mine. The estimated cost of cleaning the mine is between $20 to 100 million dollars, as allocated by the government. The state has tried to stabilize the large tailing piles at the mine, but tests have proven that traces of asbestos have made their way through wetlands and can be found one mile away from the site. Despite the studies conducted, several citizens claim that there are no direct health concerns for people, so the state should just leave the piles alone. Supporters of the superfund clean up are driven by the potential of renewable energy; if the site is cleaned, future development of a biomass plant is possible. Governor Peter Shumlin promised to gain approval from both towns before deeming Lowell as a superfund site. Early in March, Vermonters unanimously voted against the superfund status with 103 votes to 38 in Lowell, and 106 to 3 in Eden. These residents rejected the cleanup proposal, concerned that the superfund would do more harm than good, worrying their private property would be included as part of the EPA project.. As a dominantly working class township, the citizens of Eden and Lowell’s economic stability lies in their property value, which is seemingly more important than environmental or human health impacts of asbestos mining.
Articles Used:
Lowell Eyes Superfund Designation for Mine
February 25, 2012
Orleans Record
Rejecting Superfund Status Puts End to Asbestos Clean Up
John Dillion
March 8, 2012
Vermont Public Radio
Primary Documentation
Primary Documentation: Mineralogical Characterization of Tailings at the Vermont Asbestos Group Mine, Belvidere mountain, Northern Vermont
Written by: Denise M. Levitan, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Mickey E. Gunter, Robert R. Seal II, I-Ming Chou, and Nadine M. Piatak
Link: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/
This is an illustrated study report from the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Idaho. The mining operation at Belvidere Mountain resulted in 3 waste piles that are estimated to contain over 70 million tons of tailings. This waste has negative impacts on wetlands downstream from the piles. The report details different methods used for testing samples from various areas of the site. It includes many illustrated and graphical analysis of the data.
Popular Article
Article: Vermont Residents Vote against Superfund Status for Asbestos Mine
Written by: Mark Hall
Link: http://www.asbestos.com/news/
Residents of the 2 towns surrounding the old Asbestos mining site have decided against turning the site into a superfund site. The town’s residents were opposed to the idea of having the EPA come in to carry out a cleaning of the mine and its surrounding areas. The vote was carried out by town hall meetings in both towns. The vast majority of voters said no and expressed concern that designating the site as a superfund site could potentially cause more harm than good. The town residents did not feel comfortable with the EPA coming in and having free reign to do with the site as they pleased. Many though the clean-up of the site would be a large inconvenience. A specific concern was traffic problems being created. Not all members of the towns are convinced of the dangerous health effects that asbestos is said to be responsible for.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Primary Documentation: Program Case for Pursuing Superfund Listing of the VAG Mine Eden and Lowell, Vermont
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Waste Management Division proposed to put the Vermont Asbestos Group (VAG) Mine on the EPA’s National Priorities List, calling upon a Superfund process to address asbestos related contamination and environmental degradation. After careful consideration, Vermont’s Waste Management Division concluded that the State does not have sufficient resources to clean the VAG site, and because no single party can be held responsible for the environmental damage, the Superfund Trust would be of great help. Research suggests that there have been and continue to be releases of hazardous materials by erosion of tailings and waste rock piles, contaminating downstream wetlands and streams. This habitat destruction will continue to worsen as erosion proceeds and sediment builds up. In addition, the Vermont Asbestos Group Mine presents significant technical challenges for Vermont to handle alone, but Superfund has access to resources and funds that efficiently evaluate the impact and risks of such a complex, dangerous site. More investigation is necessary to better define the degree and magnitude of asbestos contaminated silt in order to distinguish if groundwater is in fact being contaminated. Lastly, EPA’s Superfund provides federal funding that would compensate for the State’s lack of resource and revenue capability to investigate and remediate the convoluted project. To ease public tension, the State promises to coordinate with the EPA and community to verify public participation. In conclusion, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and Waste Management Division advocates the proposal of the VAG Mine as a Superfund Site because the state does not have adequate resources to assess the site, providing practical long term solution. They strongly believe that the remedial Superfund Program is the only way to properly clean up the site, preventing long term environmental degradation and threat to human health due to asbestos contaminated groundwater.
Primary Documentation Used:
Program Case for Pursuing Superfund Listing of the VAG Mine Eden and Lowell, Vermont
April 23, 2010
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Waste Management Division
Primary Documentation Used:
Program Case for Pursuing Superfund Listing of the VAG Mine Eden and Lowell, Vermont
April 23, 2010
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Waste Management Division
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Popular Article-- "Stalemate on Belvidere Mountain"
Burlington Free Press- March 3rd, 2012
Written by Candace Page
Link to article: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120304/GREEN01/120303016/Stalemate-Belvidere-Mountain-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE
This article details the conflict between citizens in Eden and Lowell County concerning whether the Lowell Asbestos mine should be considered a Superfund site. Members of the board said they were both certain the proposal would be rejected. The EPA has taken measures to reduce erosion and runoff, but much more remains- estimates are that the cleanup would cost $250 million. 30 million tons of tailings remain in the wake of the closed mine. Water washes the tailings down the mountain and into wetlands and streams. Citizens who oppose the proposal say that designating the site as a Superfund site will decrease property values around the mine, and skepticism about the connection between living near the mine and contracting diseases such as cancer and asbestiosis. Essentially, residents of Lowell and Eden feel they've been misled or "scared" into voting for the Superfund proposal. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin agrees with the majority of the residents and says that it is better to "let sleeping dogs lie" when it comes to mine cleanup. Even though studies have been conducted, health and ecological effects of the mine are vague and unclear.
Written by Candace Page
Link to article: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120304/GREEN01/120303016/Stalemate-Belvidere-Mountain-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE
This article details the conflict between citizens in Eden and Lowell County concerning whether the Lowell Asbestos mine should be considered a Superfund site. Members of the board said they were both certain the proposal would be rejected. The EPA has taken measures to reduce erosion and runoff, but much more remains- estimates are that the cleanup would cost $250 million. 30 million tons of tailings remain in the wake of the closed mine. Water washes the tailings down the mountain and into wetlands and streams. Citizens who oppose the proposal say that designating the site as a Superfund site will decrease property values around the mine, and skepticism about the connection between living near the mine and contracting diseases such as cancer and asbestiosis. Essentially, residents of Lowell and Eden feel they've been misled or "scared" into voting for the Superfund proposal. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin agrees with the majority of the residents and says that it is better to "let sleeping dogs lie" when it comes to mine cleanup. Even though studies have been conducted, health and ecological effects of the mine are vague and unclear.
Professional Article/Documentation
http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/details.asp?pid=11057
Under magnification at 650X, the picture below reveals the presence of white asbestos (raw chrysotile) excavated from the Lowell Asbestos Mine on Belvidere Mountain in Vermont. It is obvious that the fibrils are arranged in both clusters and individually, these details characteristic to raw asbestos. According to the CDC, workers can develop cancer of the lung tissue and/or mesothelioma. Both of these diseases develop over long periods of asbestos exposure and almost always result in immediate death. Although difficult to prove, it is possible to contract cancers of other internal physiological systems just from breathing asbestos contaminated air. An increasing possibility of public health consequences is of recent debate, but difficult to quantify. Studies show that earlier identification of the Mesothelioma virus can improve chances of survival.
-report by CDC?John Wheeler, PhD
-photo credit- Janice Haney Carr
Under magnification at 650X, the picture below reveals the presence of white asbestos (raw chrysotile) excavated from the Lowell Asbestos Mine on Belvidere Mountain in Vermont. It is obvious that the fibrils are arranged in both clusters and individually, these details characteristic to raw asbestos. According to the CDC, workers can develop cancer of the lung tissue and/or mesothelioma. Both of these diseases develop over long periods of asbestos exposure and almost always result in immediate death. Although difficult to prove, it is possible to contract cancers of other internal physiological systems just from breathing asbestos contaminated air. An increasing possibility of public health consequences is of recent debate, but difficult to quantify. Studies show that earlier identification of the Mesothelioma virus can improve chances of survival.
-report by CDC?John Wheeler, PhD
-photo credit- Janice Haney Carr
Popular Article
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/82863/lowell-residents-concerned-about-asbestos-exposure/
Residents in Lowell Vermont are afraid property values will drop with developing reports of negative health effects associated with the remains of the Lowell Asbestos Mine. Many of the town's roads were built with materials containing asbestos. The residents have even used asbestos dust instead of winter sand to melt road ice and to backfill springs. Unfortunately, the EPA and the State of Vermont are just now researching the dangers of living within close proximity of the mine. Officials have found hand fulls of cancer cases that could possibly be related to asbestos exposure. Although their situation seems like an obvious consequence of stupidity, either we can help these individuals find a solution or allow them to continue wallowing in asbestos poison.
Residents in Lowell Vermont are afraid property values will drop with developing reports of negative health effects associated with the remains of the Lowell Asbestos Mine. Many of the town's roads were built with materials containing asbestos. The residents have even used asbestos dust instead of winter sand to melt road ice and to backfill springs. Unfortunately, the EPA and the State of Vermont are just now researching the dangers of living within close proximity of the mine. Officials have found hand fulls of cancer cases that could possibly be related to asbestos exposure. Although their situation seems like an obvious consequence of stupidity, either we can help these individuals find a solution or allow them to continue wallowing in asbestos poison.
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