Memo draft for DEP Commissioner, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

To: Residents/ Occupants of Buildings in the Vicinity of Ground Zero

From: Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E. ‘NeurJorl;^ Department of Date: October 15,2001 Environmental Protection Subject: Environmental Sampling 59-17 Junction Boulevard Corona, New York 11368-5107 Various Federal, State and City agencies have been monitoring the environmental impact of the September 11, 2001 tragedy at the World Trade Center. These agencies include the US Environment^ Protection Agency Joel A Miele Sr., P.E. (USEPA), the US DOL Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Commissioner the US DHHS Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), the New York City Departments of Health (NYC DOH) and Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) among others. Samples of the air, water, and debris have been and continue to be collected. The samples are collected and analyzed for various pollutants and evaluated according to the existing environmental and occupational standards and guidelines. The pollutants have included the USEPA criteria pollutants, asbestos, and other potential substances expected from an incident of this type.

The City of New York has issued specific guidelines for the re-occupancy of buildings in the vicinity of Ground Zero. These guidelines include the performance of an environmental assessment by qualified individuals and firms. Qualified individuals must perform the environmental assessment that includes the testing of debris and the air for asbestos fibers. For specific information and the results of the environmental assessments, residents should contact their building owner or managing agent. Any resident who is unable to obtain the information directly or has unresolved issues may contact the DEP Help Center at (718) DEP - HELP. Consistent with the Department’s implemented policy after the September 11, 2001 tragedy, the Help Center will refer the call to Asbestos Control Program staff who will provide assistance and guidance.

In order to assist residents in the interpretation of results, the following is a description of the testing and standards used to evaluate asbestos levels:

Asbestos-containing Material The bulk sampling of the debris from the collapse is performed to determine whether the debris is asbestos-containing material (ACM). ACM is any material that contains gre£^-i than one-percent asbestos. Any material found to be ACM must be handled by trained and certified individuals with proper equipment and engineering controls to limit the generation of increased airborne levels. However, all clean up of debris should be performed by wet-methods and the use of vacuums equipped with HEPA filters. The NYCDOH has issued several advisories with step-by- ■ D2P step instructions for the clean up of debris intended to minimize exposure to dust and other particulates. www.nvt.gov Hep

■ ; c : DE P - HE I P

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