As asbestos cleanup ends, BNSF will monitor impacted right-of-way in Montana

A BNSF coal train derailed, but no injuries reported.

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A toxic cleanup effort along a railroad right-of-way in Montana is coming to an end.

Crews have been clearing asbestos from two rail yards in Libby and Troy, Mont., and 42 miles of track. The asbestos is the product of mining vermiculite that was processed and transported by rail across the country. The asbestos is used for insulation and other products.

The mine is still being cleaned, and that project is expected to last another four years. The mine closed in 1990 but the toxic dust still remained until cleanup efforts began in 2000. Health officials said the asbestos remains have led to 400 deaths and thousands of illnesses. The cleaning has cost $600 million.

BNSF will continue to use the marked railroad line and has agreed to manage that impacted area so human health is protected.

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