DEP letter on joint environmental sampling overview, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document 'W

I I I ings utilizing this standard. Landlords were notified that they should not reopen I I any building until a competent professional had properly inspected their premise. If more than 1% asbestos was found and testing and cleaning was I I necessary, it had to be performed by certified personnel.

Drinkine Water I NYC DEP continuously tests drinking water every day for multiple parameters. After the World Trade Center disaster, DEP expanded the number of tests taken and the parameters of testing. EPA also conducted separate tests. Before and after the event, New York City drinking water has met and continues to meet all Federal, State, and City standards. Testing at a heightened level is continuing.

NYC Department ofHealth

The New York City Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D. has reviewed the findings of the various testing agencies and issued the following statements to residents. He said ‘‘despite the smoky conditions in areas of lower Manhattan that are close to the World Trade Center site, test results from the ongoing monitoring of airborne contaminants indicate that the levels continue to be below the level of concern to public health. Nonetheless, while debris continues to be disturbed, and while flare-ups of smoke continue to permeate the downtown area, air-testing results will continue to be monitored, and appropriate health recommendations will be issued as necessary.” Dr. Cohen added, “As work continues ' at the disaster site, the presence of dust and smoke odor in the downtown area has ' been of understandable concern to residents. However, air monitoring by Federal, State and City agencies has indicated that the levels of particulate matter being detected are below the level of public health concern and do not pose long-term health risks to the general public.”

In addition to air monitoring activities, efforts are being made daily to suppress dust and smoke at the World Trade Center disaster site. Results of daily dust sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is available online at epa.EOV. Factsheets detailing Health Department recommendations pertaining to air quality, asbestos, safely reoccupying homes and buildings, and worker safety are available online at nvc.gov/health. For more information about all Health Department activities. New Yorkers can call (212) 227-5269. For information about asbestos issues, you can consult our website at nyc.gov/dep or call the New York City Department of Environmental Protection at (718) DEP-HELP and ask to be referred to our asbestos staff. _ /O ery flWy yours.

•el A. Miele Sr., P.E. ^nmissioner

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