Memo on Debris Clean-up Procedures Inside Buildings, September 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

I 1

' <•

To: Building Owners

From: R. Radhakn^an, P.E. Department of Environmental Date: September 26,2001 Protection 59-17 lunction Boulevard Subject: Clean-up of Debris inside Buildings Corona, New York 11368-5107

Building owners or their representatives instituting clean-up activities of areas affected by the World Trade Center attack should follow these procedures: Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E. Commissioner 1. Minimal dust accumulations (light coating) can be cleaned using wet methods and/or vacuums equipped with HEPA filters. Robert C. Avaltroni Deputy Commissioner 2. HVAC-system filters should be replaced prior to re-occupancy. Bureau of Environmental Compliance Tel (718)595-4418 3. If you are concerned that debris may contain asbestos, accumulations of Fax (718) 595-4422 dust that include pieces of debris can be sampled by a NYC- DEP certified investigator or NYS- DOL inspector to determine whether the material is asbestos-containing material (ACM). The USEPA has studied this issue in numerous buildings in and aroimd the WTC and reported that the potential presence of ACM in dust and debris is minimal. Wipe sampling and/or micro-vacuum sampling are not recognized methods for asbestos sampling and should not be used. Bulk sample analysis (PLM) must be performed by laboratories with ELAP accreditation.

4. Only individuals certified by the NYC-DEP as asbestos handlers can handle dust and debris accumulations identified to be ACM or asbestos- contaminated objects. ACM is any material containing more that one percent asbestos. All work shall be performed in accordance with Title 15, Chapter 1 of the Rules of the City of New York.

5. Emergency telephone notification must be provided to the Department. The telephone notification must include the name affiliation, and telephone number of the caller; the exact location including street address, floor, and surface types to be cleaned; the name, address, and telephone number of the NYS DOL licensed asbestos contractor handling the material; and the starting date. The Asbestos and Lead Control Program (ALCP) may be reached via (718) DEP-HELP (24 hrs/7days).

6. A scope-of-work including the information outlined in number 3 above and the procedures to be employed should be faxed to the ALCP at fax number (718) 595-3744. The Department will review plans, provide assistance, and offer recommendations. Our staff will be available to

UDSPj ( www.nycgov/<lep~7

(718) DEP-HELP

NYC-WTC_000150083