The Sumas Mountain landslide near the headwaters of Swift Creek releases up to 120,000 cubic yards of excess sediment into Swift Creek each year. The slide material contains deposits of Naturally Occurring Asbestos. Swift Creek then flows into the Sumas River near the town of Nooksack in Whatcom County, Washington, past the town of Sumas, and into Canada.
Creek sediments are exposed when water levels are low, when the creek is dredged or when floods deposit material on banks and adjacent properties. Asbestos can become airborne when this asbestos-containing sediment is disturbed. This could happen during activities like walking or riding on sediments, or if the sediments are used for home construction projects, such as driveways or pathways. When asbestos becomes airborne, it can be breathed into the lungs and increases the risk of developing asbestos-related disease.
EPA is working with local, state, and federal agencies on a safe, long-term management plan for sediments coming from Sumas Mountain.
Sampling
In 2006, EPA conducted "activity-based" air sampling to determine whether asbestos fibers in piles of dredged sediments along Swift Creek can get into a person's breathing zone during routine activities such as raking, shoveling, jogging, and biking. In February 2007, EPA released its Summary Report which showed elevated levels of risk for certain activities. As a result of these findings, EPA recommends that local residents limit their exposure to the dredged materials. Following flooding in January 2008, EPA sampled water sediments and flood deposits along the Sumas River. The results confirm that elevated asbestos levels occur from Sumas Mountain to (and probably beyond) the Canadian border.
2009 Sampling Locations and Results
Report: Soil, Sediment and Surface Water Sampling Sumas Mountain Naturally-Occurring Asbestos Site Whatcom County, Washington (PDF) (40pp, 3.4MB)
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos in Sumas River and Swift Creek - FAQs (PDF) - July 20, 2009 (12 pp. 91K)
- About asbestos
- How did this happen?
- What does this mean for my health and the health of my family?
- Asbestos studies
- The issues around Swift Creek asbestos
- How far has the material spread?
- The problems with using Swift Creek sediment
- Proposed solutions and responses
- Who’s doing what — and why?
Health Recommendations
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