WTC site damage assessment map, Sept 21, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

NYC Department of Health, the U.S. EPA, the DEP, and other agencies or entities with jurisdiction monitor health risks in the aftermath of the WTC disaster. It has been recognized that children are generally more vulnerable to most health hazards than the general population. In order to have school-age children avoid unnecessary exposure to health hazards, schools in and around the World Trade Center site were closed off to the public until they could be tested for presence of asbestos and other toxicants. Residential areas were also cordoned off, including most of Battery Park City.

While excavation continues at the site, the Health Department has been monitoring the air quality and the U.S. EPA and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are also conducting tests. The Health Department has produced a Public Health Advisory for residents and people returning to work in the nearby area. Residents and workers are advised to guard against dust and soot that can cause respiratory symptoms and eye and throat irritation. Residents in the immediate area are advised to keep windows closed and to avoid strenuous outdoor activity in the area affected.

Environmental Impacts

Construction contractors rebuilding the WTC site will conform to OSHA health and safety requirements such as described by the OSHA Guidance Manualfor Hazardous Waste Site Activities (NIOSH 1985) and Standard Operating Safety Guides (U.S. EPA 1992b). Health and safety plans will be developed and will include environmental and exposure monitoring. Contractors will maintain compliance with all environmental regulations and permits that apply to the work being performed. Periodic environmental health and safety monitoring may need to be performed to verify that employees are protected and exposure limits are not exceeded. Each contractor working at the site will maintain an OSHA 200 log. Pollution source reduction techniques and prevention strategies, as appropriate, recommended by the U.S. EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention will be incorporated into the design of the proposed projects. If imexpected conditions are encountered during excavation, for example, work will stop and the appropriate actions will be taken.

To mitigate for any potential impacts associated with future construction, and to protect human health and the environment, the following general actions will be performed: • All materials (hazardous and non-hazardous) and wastes generated from construction activities will be handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local regulations • Strict contract specifications will be established for construction contractors requiring proper management and disposal of materials and waste • Waste generation will be minimized to the extent possible • Excavated soils and materials will be used as fill material, as appropriate

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