Cleanup of asbestos site in Oregon expected to cost about $30 million

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said cleanup of a site north of Klamath Falls will cost as much as $30 million. But no source of funding is in place for the operation.

The 125-acre site is contaminated with asbestos from past structures, including medical barracks used by the U.S. Marine Corps, single-family homes and apartments.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality officer Cliff Walkey said few options are available for funding.

He said the department is considering asking Gov. Ted Kulongoski to recommend the site be added to the National Priorities List, which would designate it for federal money.

While the site has been treated in the past, asbestos continues to be brought to the surface through frost and erosion. EPA cleanup plans include excavating the site, and burying contaminated materials under caps.