DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

WTC RESIDENTIAL DUST CLEANUP PROGRAM CLEANING & TESTING FACT SHEET

People living south of Canal, Allen and Pike Streets in lower Manhattan who are concerned that dust from the collapse of the World Trade Center may still be present in their residences may request assistance from EPA. Assistance offered includes the cleanup and testing of homes for airborne asbestos or testing only. The program is voluntary. While EPA will work with building owners and tenant groups to coordinate all cleaning within a building, occupants of each unit must specifically request cleanup assistance.

Cleanup work will be conducted by contractors and workers (the Cleanup Contractor) certified by New York State and New York City. Separate, third-party contractors, also licensed by New York State, will oversee the cleanup work and will conduct all testing (the Project Monitor). Further direct oversight will be provided by EPA personnel. All persoimel involved in this program will carry appropriate photo identification.

The Project Monitor will contact residents requesting assistance to confirm and schedule cleanup and testing. The Project Monitor will have access to a translation service to assist with the process for those whose primary language is not English. There are three phases to the actual work: 1) Pre-cleaning inspection; 2) Cleaning, and 3) Testing.

Owners and managers of residential buildings and coop boards can request to have their building’s common areas cleaned and HVAC system evaluated and cleaned, if necessary. After receiving the request, common areas such as the building lobby, hallways, stairways and elevator interiors will be cleaned. Other common areas, including laundry rooms, utility rooms, compactor rooms, and elevator shafts will be evaluated and cleaned as needed. (See separate fact sheet: Common Area and HVAC).

During a pre-cleaning inspection for an individual residence, the Project Monitor will meet with the occupant(s) to assess conditions, discuss procedures and testing options, determine any special concerns or needs, and answer questions. The Project Monitor will obtain written access and authorization, and will schedule the cleaning work. Residents will be given information about preparing for cleaning including the handling of valuable personal items, the presence of pets, etc. (See separate fact sheet: Preparing for Cleaning and Testing). The Project Monitor will discuss the level of cleanup required (see below) and resident’s options for post-cleanup testing.

Damage to building as a result of the WTC collapse may have resulted in the growth of mold in apartments. As part of the Cleaning Program, the Project Monitor will contact the New York City Department of Health (NYC DOH) if mold is observed in a residence or residential building. The NYC DOH will then contact the building owner to provide recommendations on how to address the affected areas. Further information regarding mold can be foimd in the NYC DOH fact sheet entitled "Facts About Mold."

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