Federal environmental officials are investigating asbestos contamination at nearly 15 homes in Park City, Montana, after a powerful December windstorm ripped the roof off a school gymnasium and scattered hazardous insulation across the surrounding neighborhood.
What Happened
The December 17 Windstorm
On December 17, 2025, a severe windstorm with gusts between 60-90 mph struck Park City, Montana. The storm ripped the roof off the school’s gymnasium, sending debris — including vermiculite insulation containing asbestos — across the surrounding residential area.
The contaminated insulation landed in yards, roads, and properties surrounding the school.
Contamination Extent
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Homes affected | Nearly 15 residences |
| Roads contaminated | 3 roads |
| Yards contaminated | 15+ |
| Source material | Vermiculite insulation from gym roof |
The vermiculite insulation, once common in buildings across the United States, has been detected in residential yards throughout the affected area.
Vermiculite insulation, especially that produced before 1990, often contains asbestos fibers. Much of the vermiculite used in U.S. construction came from the Libby, Montana mine, which was contaminated with tremolite asbestos.
EPA Response
Free Cleanup for Homeowners
The Environmental Protection Agency arrived to assess properties and mark contaminated areas with orange flags. The agency will conduct remediation at no cost to homeowners.
The cleanup process includes:
- Scraping contaminated soil and grass: Approximately 3 inches of surface material
- Replacing with clean topsoil
- Reseeding affected areas
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2025 | Windstorm damages school roof |
| January 2026 | EPA arrives, begins assessment |
| TBD | Remediation to be completed |
| Est. 8 weeks | Before students can return |
School Impact
Students Displaced
The roof damage forced students from the building. Many transitioned to remote learning during cleanup and asbestos abatement operations. The superintendent estimates it could take up to eight weeks before all students can safely return.
Alternative learning arrangements have been made while the school undergoes repairs and asbestos remediation.
Health Risks
Asbestos Exposure Concerns
Asbestos, once commonly used in insulation, is known to cause cancer when fibers are inhaled. Diseases linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the lung, abdominal, or heart lining
- Lung cancer: Particularly in combination with smoking
- Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue
Risk Assessment for Residents
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Exposure duration | Brief (windstorm event) |
| Fiber release | Likely during storm and initial cleanup |
| Ongoing risk | Low if material undisturbed |
| EPA remediation | Eliminates ongoing risk |
Single, brief exposures carry lower risk than chronic occupational exposure. However, any asbestos exposure adds to lifetime risk.
Do not disturb suspected contaminated material. Stay away from areas marked by EPA. If you believe you were exposed during the storm or cleanup, document the exposure and inform your doctor. Symptoms from asbestos typically take decades to appear.
The Broader Context
Montana’s Asbestos History
Montana has a tragic history with asbestos contamination:
| Site | Impact |
|---|---|
| Libby, Montana | 400+ deaths, 2,900+ diagnosed with asbestos disease |
| Vermiculite products | Distributed nationwide from Libby mine |
| Legacy insulation | Present in buildings across the state |
The Libby mine produced much of the vermiculite insulation used in American construction from the 1920s through 1990. This contaminated material remains in countless buildings.
Schools and Asbestos
Schools built before 1980 commonly contain asbestos in:
- Insulation (walls, ceilings, pipes)
- Floor tiles
- Roofing materials
- Ceiling tiles
Federal law requires schools to inspect for asbestos and maintain management plans, but the material often remains in place until disturbed — as happened in Park City.
For Affected Residents
Immediate Steps
- Stay away from marked areas until EPA completes cleanup
- Do not attempt to clean up material yourself
- Keep children and pets away from contaminated yards
- Document any direct contact with insulation material
Long-Term Considerations
- Inform your doctor about potential asbestos exposure
- Keep records of the incident for medical history
- Monitor for respiratory symptoms (though these typically appear decades later)