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
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