This site is located at 2502 South Garnsey Street, Santa Ana, Orange County, California.
Site Background
From 1972 through 1993, the W.R. Grace & Company site at 2502 South Garnsey in Santa Ana, California, processed vermiculite mined in Libby, Montana. This vermiculite was contaminated with asbestos.
The facility exfoliated ("popped" or expanded) vermiculite to manufacture insulation, fireproofing (brand name: Monokote), masonry fill, pool cushion, and various horticultural products. Over 400,000 tons of vermiculite were processed at this site.
While the facility no longer processes vermiculite, W.R. Grace still owns and operates the four-acre site. Land use immediately surrounding the site is a mix of commercial, light industrial, and residential. The nearest homes lie within one-quarter mile of the site. According to the U.S. Census, over 35,000 people were living within one mile of the site in 1990.
Recent EPA environmental samples from the site showed low levels of Libby asbestos in soils in several areas. Much of the site, however, is paved. No vermiculite or vermiculite waste stockpiles are present at the site. Air samples collected inside the building detected no asbestos fibers. One of three dust samples collected inside the building indicated the presence of very low levels of Libby asbestos in surface dust.
Former Workers (prior to 1994)
Current Workers (1994 to present)
Past Community
Present Community
Consumer Products
Where can I find more information?
The document also may be reviewed in person at the following locations:
City of Orange Main Library
101 N. Center Street
Orange, CA 92866
Telephone: (714) 288-2410
Santa Ana Public Library
26 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 647-5250
Public input and questions are encouraged. ATSDR responses will be provided in a separate document available to the public and not as an additional release of this site-specific health consultation. Comments on the health consultation must be submitted in writing by October 31, 2003. Mail comments to:
Chief, Program Evaluation, Records and Information Services Branch, ATSDR
1600 Clifton Rd., NE (MS E-60)
Atlanta, GA 30333
The names of those who submit comments will not be printed in a public document. They are, however, subject to release through requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.
For more information, please call ATSDR toll-free at 888-422-8737 and ask to speak with Environmental Health Scientist James Durant or Health Communications Specialists Maria Teran-MacIver or Debra Joseph. Callers should refer to the W.R. Grace & Company Santa Ana site.
This page last updated on December 08, 2008