Internal routing form for WTC environmental documents, date unknown

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

I do want to make you aware that achieving this level of high sensitivity in analysis, which will enable us to detect .0009 f/cc of asbestos in air, is a scientific challenge. To attain this low a detection limit in a technically practical manner, a large volume of air needs to be collected. This increases the potential for filter “overload.” Filter “overload” creates a problem because it impairs the ability of the microscopist viewing the sample results to see the entire field of vision under the microscope. Filter “overload” in asbestos testing terminology indicates that enough small specks of dust have been captured on the same filter to interfere. The microscope used for asbestos analysis in this program magnifies objects up to 20,000 times, so even the tiniest speck of dirt or dust can obscure small fibers of asbestos. EPA will perform ongoing evaluation of the sampling program as the cleanup progresses and may reduce sample volumes should filter “overload” become a routine occurrence. We will keep all members of the public informed of our results and any related issues.

Accessing the Cleanup Program/Availability ofInformation

Regional Administrator Kenny, as well as Agency scientists, community relations staff, and other experts working on the WTC response have met with outside scientists, members of 9/11 Environmental Action and the Environment Law and Justice Project, as well as members of the Chinese community, community board members, tenant association leaders, and service organizations to discuss the cleanup program and to get their input.

In addition, the Agency sent out a direct mailing (approximately 38,000) to all lower Manhattan residents in June announcing the cleanup program and hotline call-in number and website for program registration. The Region has issued a number of press releases and this program has been widely reported by local media. EPA is running display ads in several local papers and employees have handed out fliers at subway stations and have distributed fliers to local businesses for display. In addition, program announcements have been delivered to many residential buildings in the project area for posting. Additionally, we have posted fliers in buildings and commercial establishments in lower Manhattan as well as attending public meetings and community WTC related information sessions. We are also working to provide mobile computer availability to those members of the public who do not have access to the internet. In addition, members of the public may use computers at EPA’s library located at 290 Broadway if they wish to access the cleanup program via the internet. EPA has also developed a draft Community Relations Plan and will refine this to address further actions we will take to commimicate with the public during the cleanup program.

Under the current program a resident can either elect to have their residence tested or cleaned and tested. The work would be performed by contractors to the City of New York with EPA oversight. Together with FEMA and the City of New York, EPA has extended the deadline for registration in the program to December 28,2002.

Information and data pertaining to the cleanup of lower Manhattan, air testing etc., are available on EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/wtc or at EPA’s office located at 290 Broadway.

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