WTC document preservation notice, NYC Law Department

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

the EPA today to immediately commence a program of full-scale testing and remediation using the best available technology, and to make a report of all such test results and actions available to the public. The EPA must also issue the test results in a manner which is tied directly to health standards, so that we can truly assess the public health risk posed to the people of Lower Manhattan. And finally, testing procedures should in no way impede the expeditious remediation of hazardous materials found by other government agencies ,or private researchers. Similarly, should the EPA find dangerous levels of hazardous materials tefore the full spectrum of testing is completed, cleanup measures should commence immediately. 1 i If the EPA foils to act again, despite its current authority, I will introduce legislation to compel it to do so. i

People might say that the measures I am requesting here today are expensive. That may be, but we must protect the public health. And although the cost may be high today, imagine what the cost will be in the future if it turns out that there really are dangerous levels of hazardous materials in Lower Manhattan. Imagine the City ’ s and EPA’s contingent liability to lawsuits twenty years down the road. And envision the potential health care costs.

It is in the best interest of the residents, workers, students and businesses for the government to act swiftly and appropriately to address the public’s environment and health concerns. We cannot afford to wait while all the agencies point fingers at each other. There is still time to right this situation.

And time is of the essence. My office has received numerous complaints fi’om people experiencing adverse health effects such as headaches, nosdiieeds, and respiratory ailments. The symptoms are so widespread that they have been dubbed “The World Trade Center Flu.” Public confidence is at stake. People know when they are sick, they know when something is not right, and they know when they are being lied to. I sincerely hope that we do not have another “Love Canal” on our hands, kit the best way to avoid that is to do the necessary testing and cleanup now. ! Thank you for inviting me to testify before you today. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers of Congress, and with all interested parties, to ensure that New Yoric City is safe and prosperous for many years to come. ! i

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