DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

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To: Residents and Building Owners of Lower Manhattan

From: Neil Cohen, Commissioner New York City Department of Health New York Department of Environmental Protection New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development

Subject: Building Related Concerns Associated with the Events of September 11,2001 ' I>ate: December 15,2001 Given the umxsual circumstances surrounding fee events of September 11,2001, fee above city agoicies are writing you to provide direction and information relating to Gildings and cleaning issues in lower Manhattan. We are coordinating our responses in an effort to clarify fee responsibilities of city agencies, tenants, and building owners.

Buil^n2.Qwners In September, both fee New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and fee Department of Health (DOH) advised building owners regarding building maintenance and re-occupancy issues. The steps to be taken prior to re-occupying buildings included the cleaning of air circulation systems and water tanks as well as assessing building contamination for possible hazardous components, including asbestos. Building owners are responsible for the cleaning of building exteriors, grounds, and common indoor areas as well as the provision of general building services (e.g. heal, water, electric, gas, etc.) The DEP has determined feat minimal dust accumulations (light coatings) can be cleaned using wet methods and/or vacuums equipped wife high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifying filters. Large accumulations of debris (inside or outside) will requite assessment for possible asbestos content by a licensed asbestos professional prior to cleanup. The DEP website provides detailed information concerning the steps required when asbestos containing material is suspected and/or present. The DOH website also contains detailed information on cleaning methods for accumulations of dust The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will respond to general building service concerns. Tenants Many aspects of fee general advisements issued in September also apply to tenants. Tenants are responsible for cleaning their own interior living spaces, including terraces, once any general and common building concerns which may interfere wife interior living space cleanup have been addressed by fee owner. The DOH guiddines referred to above will provide additional information regarding cleaning. In fee event feat you do not have access to HEPA vacuums for

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