Fax cover sheet for WTC-related correspondence, July 7, 2003

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

DEP LEGAL AFFAIRS Fax:17185956543 Jul 7 2003 9:08 P.03

Excerpts from Chapter 3 of the Draft Report

Initial Actions Taken by New York City and EPA *-------- 9

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, EPA undertook i eral activities to address | various issues related to indoor air. However, according to. ’A documentation. New / York Qty officials stated on September 30,2001, that the pity would not be requesting assistance from EPA regarding residential sampling or ion issues, or roof debns cleanup. According to EPA Region 2 officials, since theJCity declined EPA’s offer of assistance on cleaning issues, EPA did not want to forcyitseff into a lead agency roW Further, EPA Region 2 officials told us that a more as»itive stance from EPA wouha have caused a level of confrontation that might have Ifeen counterproductive to the/ overall effort This view of circumstances bv EPA X contradicted by information I provided by New York City agencies. City officials stated that they requested ass stanice from EPA with respect to air sample monitoring on September 11.2001. Furthen rote. City officials stated that the EPA.was thorou^Iv involved and integrated into (he lealth and safety process concerning die re to the t iSt attacks. For .example, I PA ental Sampling andfissessmen meetines-for the aito. EPA was providedjand reviewed and commented cowcaniinB the health amd safety plan for the site EPA provided the truck mounted HEPA vacuuroreft tracks units to clean the sidewalks and streets in the vicinity of the site. In the Qty’s view, EPA was a fall and equal partner concerning environmental issues with respect to. the response to the terrorist attacks. Consequently, if EPA had offered assistance it would have, been accepted. iver. EPA*s taking a more assertive stance would not • have caused a level of tion that would have been connte recognized that the EPA is the lead agency underfor Emergency Support Function 10, hazardous materials, under the Federal Response Plan, under ESP 10, City officials do not recall that the subject of residential sarobhng and reoccupation and roof debris cleanup was raised by the EPA on September 30.2001. or anv time before then. City officials recall discussing the issue of indoor cleaning of residences with EPA at some time after September 30.2001 and that EPA’s response was that they would conduct a study and provide information to the Qty in six to nine months. .

New York City’s Initial Response to Indoor Contamination DRAFT. for review AND COMMENT PURPOSES f •-UK.'

NYC-WTC_000146053