City of Laramie, WY Alerted by State Environmental Agency That Green Belt Pathway is Contaminated by Asbestos

Laramie, WY residents warned of potential asbestos risks on area pathway. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. For more information and a free lawsuit review, complete the form on this page.

On August 11, 2009, the Laramie Boomerang reported that the City of Laramie had posted warning signs on the Green Belt Pathway cautioning those using the trail to remain on the marked asphalt paths. The signs were erected after the city was contacted by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and advised that asbestos contamination was found in the area.

BP Amoco, which owns the contaminated property, granted the city an easement for pathway. Amoco once operated a refinery in the area, but has been closed for over 90 years.

A Laramie spokesperson stated the city was working with the DEQ and BP Amoco to determine the extent of the asbestos contamination and how to reduce the risk of exposure to the dangerous carcinogen to those living and working in the area.

BP Amoco was expected to begin assessing the contaminated area at the end of August 2009. Depending on the extent of the contamination, the development and execution of asbestos abatement and mitigation could take as long as 18 months.

In the interim, the city has taken the responsibility for ensuring that residents and city employees are protected from possible asbestos exposure. The city will post updated warning signs, and if the asbestos assessment reveals other areas of the pathway are contaminated, may close part of the pathway.

The city spokesperson cautioned Laramie residents using the pathway to remain on the asphalt trail, to leave pathway grounds undisturbed, and to take the necessary precautions so that dogs and other family pets do not wander off the asphalt trail.

While the City of Laramie advised residents they were at no “immediate” risk of illness, those exposed to the dangerous cancer-causing mineral are still at risk to develop an asbestos illness many years later because of the decades-long latency period between exposure and when symptoms first appear.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they are not expelled from the lungs by coughing, sneezing or blowing one’s nose. Instead, asbestos remains in the lungs, where it can eventually cause scarring of lung tissue.  Asbestos lung damage can also cause microscopic changes in healthy lung tissue that can lead to chronic or serious, life-threatening lung diseases.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our asbestos lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.