EPA, DEQ assistance in Park City asbestos cleanup

PARK CITY, Mont. - Following the initial response by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and local officials, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now coordinating with DEQ to support cleanup of asbestos-contaminated debris from the Dec. 17, 2025, windstorm at Park City School in Park City, Montana.

After storm-related damage was identified on Dec. 17, DEQ issued an emergency permit to Park City Schools to allow for repairs and asbestos abatement activities on the school property. The emergency permit covered the entire 6,500-square-foot roof and authorized removal of vermiculite insulation throughout the school property. This work is being conducted by asbestos abatement contractors employed by Park City Schools District. The onsite contamination of the school property is also being addressed under the emergency permit.

The district's abatement contractors installed air-sampling devices around the school perimeter on Dec. 18. After abatement is complete, the district will conduct air sampling inside the school to verify conditions are appropriate for re-occupancy. Questions about work occurring on school property should be directed to the Park City Schools Superintendent, David Whitesell.

On Jan. 12, 2026, DEQ requested assistance from EPA Region 8 to address potential asbestos contamination identified beyond the boundaries of the school property.

At the request of DEQ, EPA Region 8 immediately deployed emergency response personnel to assess and characterize the extent of potential asbestos cleanup needs outside of the Park City School property and in public areas adjacent to the school. These evaluations were conducted by EPA's On Scene Coordinator and specialized contractors through visual inspections and site observations.

EPA currently estimates approximately 15 residential properties may be impacted by asbestos and require cleanup. Evaluations are ongoing, and this number may change as additional properties may be identified as work continues. Several nearby alleys have also been impacted by asbestos contamination. Cleanup activities will begin as soon as possible, with initial efforts focused on areas of greatest concern near the school property. Work will then proceed outward to reduce potential recontamination, minimize risk to the community, and support timely school reopening.

EPA emergency response personnel will contact private property owners who may be impacted by the contamination to discuss cleanup options and obtain consent for access.  Property-specific evaluations will continue throughout the cleanup process to determine the most appropriate approach for each homeowner.

EPA has established an informational webpage dedicated to the Park City cleanup available onlineExit EPA's website. Project updates will be posted regularly under the "Notices" section. 

EPA and DEQ will also host community office hours at the Vo-Ag Building on Jan. 22 and 23 from 5-7 p.m. to answer questions and provide additional information.