EPA/FEMA TAG proposal memo regarding monitoring costs, July 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Interagency Agreement Indoor Air Quality/Interior Cleaning of Residences 7/5/02

1. Purpose

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will develop, manage and implement a program to address the concerns of residents in Lower Manhattan regarding the impacts of the World Trade Center (WTC) collapse on indoor air quality. This program will include the offering of interior cleaning and sampling of apartments in a specific area of Lower Manhattan. EPA will provide oversight and management of cleanup and sampling contractors to insure that activities are done as specified and to the satisfaction of the public. All requests and information obtained during the implementation of this program will be managed through the development and maintenance of a comprehensive database.

2. Authority

FEMA and EPA have entered into this Agreement pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (“Stafford Act”), 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.; Executive Order 12148, as amended, and 44 C.F.R. Part 206. The EPA shall provide oversight to cleaning and sampling contractors to ensure residences are satisfactorily cleaned to an acceptable standard.

3. Scope of Work

EPA, through close coordination with FEMA and state and city partners, will implement a program to clean and sample residences in a specific area of Lower Manhattan. Those residential spaces located south and/or west of Canal, Allen and Pike Streets will be eligible for cleaning and sampling. It is estimated that there are 20,000 to 25,000 residences located in this area.

Support for the cleaning and sampling of residences and the operation of a Hotline for residents to request cleaning and sampling is being provided through contractors hired by New York City. Contract language will enable EPA staff to manage and direct these contractors. EPA will be responsible for the risk evaluation of analytical results from the wipe and air sampling conducted as part of this program, for the management of all data generated during implementation of this program, and developing and maintaining a website with frequent updates on program progress.

Oversight and management of sampling and cleanup activities will be accomplished through the use of EPA employees and EPA contractors. Those providing oversight must be familiar with contract language and the specific work activities that will be performed in each residential space. In addition to utilizing checklists of items completed, photo dociunentation will also be obtained. The areas in which residences will be eligible for assistance will be divided into quadrants in an effort to maximize program management and responsiveness to the residents.

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