March 26, 2026
In Re: Public Health Hazard at 43-45 Liberty Street, Swanton, VT
EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER
I, Suzie Kelleher, Health Officer, Swanton, Vermont, do hereby find that:
1. On January 19, 2026, the property of 43-45 Liberty Street was consumed in a fire. The property belonging to Rene & Patricia Fortin.
2. On March 26, 2026, I was notified of the presence of Vermiculite insulation by David Shea, contractor hired by Mr. & Mrs. Fortin.
3. Mr. Shea informed me that vermiculite insulation contains asbestos, having been manufactured by the Libby Corporation of Libby, Montana from the 1920s to 1990. Vermiculite has known health hazards. Inhaling disturbed vermiculite can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
ORDERED, that Neighbors within 100 feet of 43-45 Liberty are instructed to keep their windows closed.
Ordered, that the sidewalk on Liberty Street will be closed to through traffic as soon as possible. Pedestrians are encouraged to seek alternative routes leading up to the closure.
THIS HEALTH ORDER SHALL REAMIN IN FORCE AND EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF ITS ISSUANCE AND THROUGHOUT THE REMEDIATION UNTIL TERMINATED BY THE SWANTON BOARD OF HEALTH.
Suzie Kelleher
Swanton Health Officer