EPA/NYC Approach Request to FEMA, April 24, 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

EPA/NYC Indoor Air Approach - Request to FEMA April 24,2002 (12:53am)

Overarching Goal: Reinforce NYC residents and worker populations’ confidence and protection regarding any potential significant increased health risks which might result fi-om the exposure in their indoor environments, on a ’ong term basis, to potential compounds of concern resulting fi’om the collapse of the WTC buildings and associated fires. This will serve to expedite and enhance the economic revitalization of Lower Manhattan.

Program Components:

A) Near-term: ► Provide cleaning and sampling to residents of Lower Manhattan (south of Canal Street) upon request, ► provide additional indoor air sampling data for asbestos, collected on a broad geographic basis in Lower Manhattan locations, to evaluate qualitatively the effectiveness of clean up techniques, provide confirmation of effectiveness of the recommended clean up techniques, and ► assure removal of any remaining debris/dust outside of WTC ground zero area which may still remain, thereby eliminating potential for re-entrainment in the air.

Timing ofNear Term Efforts: Begin by early May with EPA hotline. Duration of all efforts may continue through December depending upon public response.

1. Direct Assistance to Residents and Residential Buildings Owners

Objective: Provide residents and residential building owners, who are concerned that their apartments may have significant debris/dust fi-om the WTC impacts remaining, a means of getting professional contractor clean up support, or other assistance, when requested.

Program: EPA will solicit participation in this direct assistance program through public announcements. An EPA hotline will be established to receive requests fi-om the public as soon as possible. This hotline will be coordinated with already existing hotlines in NYC and EPA to assure that members of the public who call in get properly directed and supported based upon the nature of their questions or concerns.

The assistance will include the following options:

a) Cleaning within apartments and buiiumg open spaces, using trained, certified |(V4tS4M^co“tractors, followed by air asbestos testing. Contractors’ employees will not be required to use asbestos abatement protective clothing or respirators unless OSHA determines such use is required or unless sampling results exceed airborne standards. An oversight fiinction will be designed into this initiative to assure that

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