Folder_0047

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

La Padula, Vincent From: Sumowicz, Alessandra Sent: Monday, October 02, 2000 6:04 PM To: La Padula, Vincent Subject: PARKS / DOH Limited Testing Issue

Importance: High Sensitivity: Confidential

CONFIDENTIAL

As per our conversation, this e-mail briefly outlines the issues I raised to you regarding the background soil testing done in Van Cortlandt, Central and Ferry Point Parks. This testing was done in conjunction with the Ferry Point Park project, which is to convert the site (a former landfill) into a golf course. Attached is a memo from Joe Ketas explaining the history of the project and why the soil testing was done in the first place. Therefore, I will not reiterate that information here.

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Since the testing results revealed elevated levels of arsenic at the test locations, which are wooded areas of the parks, DEP recommended to Parks that the results be shared and evaluated by DOH. After internal discussions, Parks decided not to investigate these test results any further and not to sent the information to DOH. Also attached is an e- mail from Ketas outlining his discussion with Parks and their reasons for not forwarding the test results to Parks. Joe was dealing with Jack Lynn, from Parks' Intergovernmental Office.

This morning I received a phone call from Diana Chapin, who is logically concerned that these results not be ignored. However, Diana does not feel that it is DEP's place to contact DOH and has therefore reached out to the Mayor's Office for assistance. I agree with DEP that DOH needs to review and evaluate the results, as they are the agency most qualified to assess the test results. In addition, this information is in the folders for the project and we would be remiss in just filing them away.

I recommend reaching out to Parks and advising them that we understand their concerns, but that we would like the test results reviewed by DOH. Then we contact DOH at a high level - someone that is not an alarmist - explain the situation and ask them to realistically review the test results and make some recommendations. We can monitor the progress between the two agencies so it does not get out of hand. Please advise as to how you and Joe would like this handled.

NYC-WTC 000137685