Park City High School Asbestos Release
Site Contact:
Joe Payne
OSC
Site Location:
10 2nd Ave SW
Park City, MT 59063
response.epa.gov/parkcityMT
Background
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality requested EPA support on January 13, 2026. EPA deployed an On-Scene Coordinator on the same date.
On December 17, 2025, heavy winds damaged portions of the Park City, MT School roof. After the roof was damaged, asbestos-containing building materials contaminated the inside of the school and the surrounding school property. The school property is currently fenced off. The asbestos-containing materials include roofing materials and vermiculite. Inspections confirmed the vermiculite contained over 1% asbestos. Vermiculite and debris have also been observed on several surrounding yards and alleys. The school district contractor has been conducting ambient air asbestos monitoring since the incident. The past two weeks have been non-detect for asbestos coming off the school property.
Montana DEQ issued an emergency permit for removing asbestos-containing materials inside and outside the school.
Current Status 1/14/26
The school district’s contractor is currently cleaning asbestos inside the school. This work is progressing well and is anticipated to wrap up soon.
Cleanup is needed on the school district’s property outside of the school; this is anticipated to begin as quickly as possible.
EPA estimates that approximately 15 homes in the area have asbestos contamination in their yards and require cleanup. Several alleys are also contaminated with asbestos. EPA anticipates beginning work as quickly as possible.
Safety Message
The main risk from asbestos is from inhaling airborne asbestos. To reduce your exposure, you can:
Clean using wet rags or a mop and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum
Only HEPA vacuums have small enough filters to catch asbestos particles; regular vacuums can spread contamination.
Use doormats and remove shoes before entering your home
Keep windows closed on windy days
Use water to wet the soil before gardening, landscaping, or team sports events
Spray your patio with water instead of sweeping it
Stay on pavement or ground covered with grass or mulch