The federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) preliminary testing indicates the air is clear around the former W.R.Grace plant in Hamilton Township. Rep. Chris Smith said, “The EPA’s initial report on air quality following the W.R Grace Company fire is positive news for Hamilton and Lawrence Township residents who live near the former plant.”

    The U.S. EPA deployed 15 air-monitoring stations in a two-mile radius around the former paper shredding plant on Hamilton’s Industrial Drive following the fire which gutted the plant early yesterday morning. “The testing showed no new or added air quality danger in the immediate area around the former plant,” said Smith. 

    Smith, who has been relentless in pushing state and federal agencies to do more to help local residents who were possibly exposed to asbestos, said “Today’s announcement shows the EPA can deploy the proper equipment and expertise into an area to get the right answers in a timely manner. This attitude must now be extended as we move forward to clean-up the site and ultimately ensure the health and safety of all area residents.”

    The plant which processed vermiculite mined in Montana contained a form of asbestos called tremolite and has been a focal point of investigations by both federal and state officials in recent weeks. More complicated tests were made by the EPA inside the plant earlier this month, and that testing is still being analyzed by the EPA.

    “The building may be gone but the toxic substances once produced there remain a threat. State and federal agencies must continue to work to ensure that area residents are kept fully informed of the situation at the site and protected from any potential health risks,” said Smith.