DEP memo on WTC vicinity building assessments, March 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

w MEMORANDUM

Department of Environmental Protection TO: Stuart Erdfarb, P.E. Agency Chief Contracting Officer 59-17 Junction Boulevard Corona, New York 11368-5107 FROM: Robert C. Avaltroni Deputy Commissioner

Joel A Miele Sr., P.E. DATE: March 18,2002 Commissioner SUBJECT: Exterior Remediation in WTC Vicinity

In conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the N. Y.S. Department of Labor, this agency performed site visits at buildings in the Robert C. Avaltroni vicinity of the World Trade Center. These assessments were a follow-up to Deputy Commissioner Bureau of activities performed in October and November 2001. Environmental Compliance Tel (718)59&4418 The visual assessment disclosed that while many buildings were fi-ee of debris, Fax (718) 5954422 others had various amounts of debris with various dispersal patterns. The majority of buildings identified with debris included isolated areas of debris specifically at the perimeter of roofs, at the base of parapet walls and in gutters. Debris was also visible on horizontal surfaces on building facades.

The observed debris was characteristic of the debris from the impact of September 11,2001. It appears to have reformed into a dense caked mass. Samples collected from these buildings indicated that some of the samples were asbestos-containing material.

This agency, in conjunction with US EPA, has determined that an expedited cleanup of approximately 250 buildings identified with debris is warranted in i order to protect the health and safety of the public and insure that the air quality ! of the affected area is as pure as possible.

It is necessary to contract the services of asbestos remediation firms and an air monitoring consultant to perform the required tasks. The immediate action required can not be met through normal procurement methods and, as a result, it is necessary that we request a Declaration of Emergency for contracting ! purposes. The area involved is to be divided into 3 sectors, requiring a remediation contract for each, and 1 air monitoring contract overall. The total cost is estimated at $10,019,200; funding for which is to be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Your assistance in this critical endeavor is greatly appreciated.

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NYC-WTC_000151452