EPA press release on indoor air quality plan, May 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

MAY-13-2002 13!13 NYC D.E.P. PUBLIC RFFRIRS P.03/03

comprehensive, collaborative program will allow residents to have their apartments cleaned and tested fine ofcbarge if there is any concern with indoor air quality. New Yorkers deserve to know that their environment is safe from health risks.” Under the plan outlined today, FEMA will provide a grant to New York City that will pay for the professional eleamng and toting. “FEMA strongly siqjpqrts toe EPA and New York City's efforts to take immediate action aimed at alleviating concerns over environmental conditions in Lower Manhattan," said Joseph F. Picoiano, Acting Regional Director of toe FEMA Region, "We are pleased to be able to fiUly fund this imtiative." Under the plan outlined today, FEMA will provide funds to hira certified cleanup contractors for residents who wish to have their homes profefisionally cleaned. EPA will conduct foltowqi testing for asbestos in die indoor air after the cleanups are completed. Upon request, the Agency will provide the option of testing-only for residents who do not want their apartments cleaned. New York City wiH ^vide HEPA vacuums to residents who wish to do their own cleaning on ap ongoing basis. Requests tor testing or cleaaing .will be taken through an EPA hotltoe.ihaiJwU.. be set up within severe weeks. EPAwill collect samples ofsomopoUutants associated with the collapse of the World Ttade Center in apartments that have not been impacted. Ths Agency will use die data to determine pre-existing or "background" levels in interior spaces in New York City. The Agency is also preparing to test various cleanup techniques in a still-unoccupied building near the World Trade Center site to confizm their effectiveness. EPA will provide health and eleamg* information to all residents through the hotline and on the Agency Web site (www.epa.gov/wtc). Also under today's plan, the New Ywk City Departmeot of Environmental Protection pEP) will supervise the cleaning of a small group of heavily impacted buildings that have remained unoccupied since September 11. Some of these buildings have not been cleaned thoroughly; most have not been cleaned st all. Worker safety during this cleanup will be coordinated with OSHA. In addition, DEF has begun contacting building owners to initiate toe cleanqj of residual debris on rooftops and building facades in Lower Manhattan. Finally, toe city is developing a database of the results of samples tak«i indoors and outdoors by federal, state and local agencies aS well as building owners and contractors. "This is a huge task," added Ms. Kenny, "But I can assure you that we will not conaider our job cornplcte until residents and tiro business community of Lower Manhattan have regainedra soost^ -' of comfort in the place that they call home.” ###

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