EPA and DEQ Announce Completion of Swift Asbestos Removal Activities in Park City, MT
PARK CITY, Mont. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has successfully completed time-critical cleanup actions of asbestos containing vermiculite at Park City School in Park City, Montana. The swift cleanup helped reopen neighborhood streets and public spaces, supported the safe return of students and restored daily routines for families across Park City.
"The successful completion of this time-critical asbestos removal reflects the strength of cooperative federalism in action - federal, state and local partners coming together with the community to deliver swift, effective results," said Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "EPA led this cleanup and ensured it was conducted efficiently and transparently, with the health of the community as our top priority with the partnership of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Stillwater County, and the residents of Park City."
“DEQ is incredibly thankful for the tremendous collaboration by EPA, Park City Schools, and Stillwater County on this cleanup effort,” said Montana DEQ Waste Management and Remediation Division Administrator Amy Steinmetz. “With several agencies and private contractors involved in Park City, it was critical that we all worked together to provide efficient, effective results for the community. The amount of work that was completed in such a short amount of time would not have been possible without close collaboration.”
(EPA teams dig out asbestos contaminated soil and backfill with new, clean soil.)
EPA crews cleared asbestos containing vermiculite across 16 residential properties and 19 road segments. Cleanup operations included excavating affected soil and replacing it with clean backfill and applying hydroseed to control erosion and stabilize restored areas. Together, these actions reduced the potential for asbestos exposure, strengthening human health protections for the local community.
With exterior areas addressed and onsite work coordinated, students have returned to Park City School and community activities have resumed, and the surrounding area is open for public activity. There are no known human health risks at this time.
Throughout the project, EPA maintained on-site safety oversight and engaged with the local community to provide transparent, timely updates on cleanup progress.
EPA’s removal work focused on areas outside the school property lines. Cleanup of the interior and exterior of Park City School was managed separately by Park City School District contractors through an emergency asbestos permit that was issued by DEQ. Compliance with state asbestos regulations helped to ensure the safe occupancy of the school.
EPA and DEQ remain available to respond to questions and will coordinate with Stillwater County on any future actions if needed. For more information, please visit EPA’s Park City School Asbestos Release webpage.
Background
On December 17, 2025, heavy winds damaged portions of the Park City School roof. After the roof was damaged, asbestos containing vermiculite contaminated the inside of the school, the exterior of the school property, and some properties adjacent to the school. Inspections from the school district's insurance contractor confirmed the vermiculite contained asbestos.
Montana DEQ issued an emergency permit to the school for removing asbestos containing vermiculite inside the school building and outside the school. The property was closed to students and clean up began immediately within the school property lines. However, there were no local resources available to conduct the cleanup of the properties outside the school property lines.
On January 12, 2026, DEQ requested assistance from EPA Region 8 to address potential asbestos contamination identified beyond the boundaries of the school property.