Remediation submittal cover letter, Jan 2006

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Environmental Site Characterization— Facade Report Fiterman Hall — 30 West Broadway, New York, NY Airtek Project 05-0867 — January 10, 2006

The study findings will assist in determining what measures and protocols may be required in support of the Fiterman Building cleaning and deconstruction plan. In particular, the results of the Study are intended to provide reference information allowing for informed decisions to be made by the project team regarding appropriate cleaning and deconstruction methods. These decisions include the development and implementation of engineering controls to contain the work zone (i.e., to ensure no exposure to the surrounding community during the cleaning and deconstruction) and appropriate methods for the disposal or recycling of materials generated by the cleaning and deconstruction activities. Using the available characterization results, DASNY/CUNY its consultants, and the selected deconstruction contractor can develop and implement appropriate deconstruction protocols and safety precautions for the cleaning and deconstruction process to ensure the health and safety of workers and the residents of the surrounding community.

1.2 Background

Fiterman Hall is a 1950's-era steel and concrete structure that was used as an office building until the early 1990's when the building was converted to use as a classroom building by the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). A number of renovation and upgrade projects were executed at Fiterman Hall. In the 1990's the ribbon window system was completely replaced with a new, modern window system. In 2000 and 2001 the building underwent a complete interior gut rehabilitation that included extensive asbestos abatement. On September 11, 2001, this renovation was nearly complete, and the building was 50% occupied by BMCC.

The collapse of WTC 7 tore open the facade of Fiterman Hall from the roof down to the basement, filled the southeast corner of the building with debris, and allowed the incursion of WTC dust. The NYC Department of Design and Construction conducted an emergency response clean-out of the building debris that had rained down from WTC 7 into the building, and DASNY conducted a building stabilization project that included shoring of the gash area, the installation of temporary barriers where the facade had been breached, and the netting of the damaged facade.

In 2005, DASNY/CUNY retained a project team headed by Pei Cobb Freed and Partners Architects, LLP to conduct an investigation of the existing building in support of the planning and execution of an abatement and demolition project intended to prepare the 30 West Broadway site for the construction of a brand new educational facility. On July 1 2005, Airtek was granted Variance File No. 05-0919 by the NYS Department of Labor on behalf of DASNY/CUNY for a variance to allow the investigative team access to conduct the required investigation. All site work undertaken in support of this investigation was conducted in strict accordance with terms and conditions of the NYS DOL Variance for the work, and with the site Health & Safety Plan (HASP).

1.3 Information Sources

Information sources drawn upon to support the investigation included the following:

Existing documentation related to the original 30 West Broadway structure, documentation of the renovation activities conducted by DASNY,'CUNY/BMCC, and documentation of the activities undertaken in response to the events of 9/1 l;

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NYC-WTC 000095873