PARK CITY, Mont. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing assistance to officials in Montana with cleanup operations following a windstorm in December that caused damage to Park City School and dispersed asbestos-laden debris into nearby neighborhoods, according to officials.
After an initial response from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and local authorities, the EPA started collaborating with the state this month to aid in the removal of asbestos that was released during a windstorm on December 17, 2025, which damaged part of the school’s roof. This incident exposed materials containing asbestos, such as roofing debris and vermiculite insulation, leading to contamination in areas within the school, on the school grounds, and in adjacent properties.
Once the damage was identified, DEQ granted an emergency permit that allowed Park City Schools to repair the roof and carry out asbestos abatement across the entire 6,500-square-foot roof area, which includes the removal of vermiculite insulation throughout the property. The cleanup efforts inside the school and on the school grounds are being managed by asbestos abatement contractors that have been hired by the school district.
On December 18, air-sampling devices were set up around the perimeter of the school, officials reported. After the abatement work is finished, the district will perform indoor air testing to assess whether the environment is safe for students and staff to return. Inquiries regarding the work on campus should be directed to Superintendent David Whitesell.
Although cleanup efforts on school grounds commenced right away, officials indicated that there were no local resources to tackle contamination outside the campus. Consequently, on January 12, 2026, the DEQ sought federal help, and the EPA dispatched an on-scene coordinator the next day to evaluate off-site contamination.
EPA staff and specialized contractors are currently inspecting public spaces and private properties adjacent to the school through visual assessments and site observations. The agency estimates that approximately 15 residential properties might be impacted and need cleanup, although this figure could change as the work progresses. Several nearby alleys have also been marked as contaminated.
According to EPA officials, cleanup operations are anticipated to start in the areas nearest to the school and gradually extend outward to minimize the risk of recontamination, safeguard residents, and facilitate the school’s reopening.
EPA responders will reach out to property owners who may be affected to discuss cleanup alternatives and secure permission to access their properties. Evaluations specific to each property will continue throughout the process to identify the best approach for each site.
State inspectors verified that the vermiculite insulation from the damaged roof contained over 1% asbestos, although ambient air monitoring conducted by the school district’s insurance contractor revealed non-detectable levels of asbestos beyond the school’s boundaries.
EPA and DEQ will host community office hours at the Vo-Ag Building on Jan. 22 and 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to answer questions and provide updates. The EPA has also launched an informational webpage to share notices and project developments related to the Park City cleanup.
