A vermiculite processing plant operated on a 1.7-acre lot at 2651 Manila Road, Dallas between approximately 1953 and 1992. Milled vermiculite was heated and expanded for use as building insulation.

This former plant, now referred to by the names of two of its previous owners—Texas Vermiculite Co. and W. R. Grace & Co.—was one of several facilities across the country that processed vermiculite milled from ore mined in Libby, Montana. Ore from the Libby mine contained naturally-occurring asbestos.

Currently, EPA is overseeing a removal site evaluation at and near the former Texas Vermiculite Co. (W. R. Grace) plant to determine whether action may be necessary to protect public health and the environment. If the removal site evaluation determines it is necessary, soil that presents a potential risk to the public would be removed during a second phase of the project expected to begin later in the year.