September 11 public health conference agenda, Feb 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document , T0'd TblDi_______

Heimtay, Brett

From: Schmeltzer, Eric Sent Thursday, January 17,2002 10:38 AM Subject MAJOR WTC RELEASE: NADLER EXPOSES ERA DOUBLE-STANDARD

Jan. 17,2002 CONTACT: Eric Schmelfeer 202-226-5635 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nadler Exposes Dramatic EPA Soubie-Stanifards and Mishandling of Hazardous Materials Testing and Removal in Downtown Manhattan Residences Calls for Full Testing and Cleanup, Comprehensive and Independent Investigations

NEW YORK - Calling into question the integrity of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (ERA) actions in lower Manhattan since the World Trade Center attacks, Rep. Nadler exposed a gross disparity in how the ERA has responded to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks compared with other instances of hazardous materials contamination around the country. Congressman Nadler made the announcement at a pity Hall press conference and was joined by members of the Ground Zero Elected Officials Task Force, and Hugh Kaufrrpin. Chief Investigator for the ERA National Ombudsman.

Rep. Nadler charged that the EPA has abrogated its responsibility to protect public health by proclaiming lower Manhattan "safe* without comprehensive data to support that Statement. And the Congressman revealed that the ERA had its own office building at 290 Broadway extensively tested and properly cleaned, In stark contrast to ERA directives which told Manhattan residents to follow NYC Department of Health (NYCDOH) guidelines that advise cieening with "wet rags." The Congressman stated that these guidelines may be in violation of the federal law that EPA is responsible for overseeing. As a result of these findings, the Congressman made a number of immediate demands of the EPA and called for the condnued, unfettered and independent investigation by the ERA National Ombudsman and for Congressional Hearings.

ERA Region H officials have claimed in multiple public statements that they nave no responsibility for indoor testing and cleaning of residences in lower Manhattan. In a November 20* Naw York Daily News article, Region tl Counsel Walter Mugdan said. They [the federal regulations] were never contemplaterf to apply to someone cleaning an apartment." Bonnie Bellow, spokesperson for Region II, said in a recent .9f. Louis Post-Dlspstch article. That's not our job and we have no policies or procedures for doing that type of tes’ins * She also stated. *We are not a health agency." However, today Congressman Nadler said that he had spoken wi^ ERA officials who dispute the accuracy of those statements. The ERA National Ombudsman, Robert Martin, confirmed that the agency is. in feel, currently doing indoor testing and removal of hazardous materials in Herculaneum. Missouri, and has also done so in McFarland, California, and Reiiog, Idaho.

The ERA has failed to uphold its own mission - *to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment > sir. water and land * upon which life depends.* ft is absurd that the ERA has claimed publicly that It doesn't have the legal autnerity to do necessary environmental tests and remediation in reroonse to the Wono Trade Center attacks when it has dearly done residential work throughout the country,* said Congressrri n Nadler. "Why is New York being treated differently?*

"And given that the ERA has not tested inside people’s homes, despite my repeated requests for it to do so, I find It deeply troubling that Administrator Whitman said she was 'glad to reassure the people of New York.. .that their air is safe to breathe, and their water is safe to drink.’ She clearly did not have comprehensive data to support that claim either way," he added.

Congressman Nadler also revealed today that the Federal buildings at 290 Broadway and 26 Federal Plaza were tested Inside and outside for high levels of hazardous materials and, when some were found, the areas were cleaned [HERA T0/T0*d STS dcsa/bcs 'S’n iS:6T 2002-iT-N«r

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