Letter regarding cleanup assessment, 455 North End Avenue

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

1.0 INTRODUCTION

EAI, Incorporated (EAI) was contracted by the Brookdale Living Communities (Brookdale) to conduct clean-up operations at 455 North End Avenue, New York, New York. This work was conducted in response to the fire and collapse of the World Trade Center and surrounding buildings. Dust was strewn throughout much of lower Manhattan, consisting of pulverized concrete, drywall, insulating materials, and other materials used in the construction of the twin towers. This dust settled on all exterior horizontal surfaces in the neighborhood. Additionally, dust entered buildings through open windows, ventilation vents, etc. Interior horizontal surfaces in these areas were covered with a layer of this settled dust. The World Trade Center was less than one-quarter mile SSE of 455 North End Avenue.

Based upon the results of analytical testing, it was found that the dust contained small, but detectable amount of asbestos and lead. Additionally, the results of some air samples also showed small amounts of airborne asbestos.

1.1 Building Description:

The property includes a 14-story brick residential building, with a basement. The building was constructed in 2001 and was 50% occupied prior to being evacuated on September 11, 2001. There are four different apartment floorplans, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and penthouse units. Wall to wall carpeting, aluminum framed transom windows, laminate floors (kitchen and bathroom), and individually controlled recirculating heating and air conditioning systems are present in each apartment. There are two fire doors in the hallways on each floor, which divide the hallways into three isolated corridors. The hallways and common areas are ventilated with outside air. Common areas include a lobby, multi-purpose room, activities room, pool area, lounges, kitchens and dining areas. Two stairwells and two elevator banks (including a separate service elevator) are present in the building.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

This report deals with the clean up of apartments and common areas. A separate report discusses the cleaning of ducts and ventilation systems.

2.1 Selection of Apartments

It was agreed upon by Brookdale and EAI that Brookdale employees would evaluate the dust condition in each apartment. Only those apartments that were considered to need extensive cleaning would be cleaned by EAI. Additionally, all

455 North End Avenue, New York, New York Page 1

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