California environmental officials are attempting for the first time to regulate the way asbestos-containing rock is used commercially after a massive deposit of the rock was found near Sacramento, CA. Observers are drawing parallels to a similar problem in Libby, MT, where massive asbestos exposure from a local deposit led to a high incident of asbestos related cancer.

In response to the asbestos threat, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is making changes in rules for using asbestos-containing rock. CARB will reduce of the amount of asbestos allowed in fill material and create new requirements for using such rock in construction projects.

The situation has also prompted the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to begin a nationwide mapping project to determine where deposits of asbestos-containing rock are found.

(Superfund Report, 3/19/01)