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Baucus, the Montana Democrat who previously called for an investigation into the agency's cleanup operation, said the people of Libby depend on the EPA to get the job done right.

"Our kids, grandkids and the economy cannot keep waiting for a clean bill of health," Baucus said. "While I'm pleased the EPA is sharing the results of their studies with the community, I will be reviewing those results carefully to make sure the EPA is doing all it can to protect the community. As history has proven, we've got to stay vigilant, keep holding authorities accountable and demand the best possible future for Libby and the folks of Lincoln County."

In 2006, Baucus asked the Office of Inspector General to evaluate whether potential problems existed with the Libby asbestos National Priorities List site cleanup.

"In our limited work to date, we identified some issues that we believe are of imminent concern," Acting Inspector General Bill Roderick stated in a letter to Baucus at the time.

Martin said the EPA has focused its cleanup efforts on reducing the largest sources of contamination first, including residences, schools, roads, processing and disposal areas, and parks and ballfields.