DEP guidance on public hotline and asbestos protocols, undated

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

'^1 V B) Longer Term: The goal of the longer term aspects action plan are to identify potential indicators of concern, that is, compounds which resulted from the WTC collapse and subsequent fires that have not been evaluated in the indoor environments thus far. Several steps are needed, since there are no widely accepted indoor air benchmarks for these compounds, and there is not \ a good data base for understanding the “background” levels of the compounds which were in the \ NYC urban environment prior to 9/11. Gathering theseis additional data, along with the Pilot Building Clean Up Effort, will assist health agencies and EPA to evaluate qualitatively how the potential contaminant compounds relate to pre-9/11 conditions and how the clean up guidance addresses any potential concerns. This will lead finally to an assessment of whether any additional action is needed in Lower Manhattan regarding indoor air concerns.

Timing of the Longer Term Actions: Initial Actions have been initiated by agency staffs. Actions listed here could begin by June 1 and continue through February 2003.

1. Sampling to Determine Background Levels of Potential Contaminants

Objective: To establish a NYC specific quantitative data set which will enable a better evaluation of pre- 9/11 conditions likely to have existed in Lower Manhattan. This will assist in future evaluation of whether any further clean up advice or action will be necessary. Program: EPA will sample residences and commercial buildings in areas of NYC unaffected by WTC-related debris to establish what may be considered pre-existing levels of potential contaminants. It is likely that this sampling will occur north of 78* Street or whatever the appropriate designation is based upon improbability of any impacts from the WTC collapse and fire. This will assist EPA, ATSDR NYSDOH and NYCDOH in evaluating how the potential contaminants from the WTC disaster relate to pre-existing conditions. NYCDOH will obtain access agreements and prepare notifications to residents and workers. Seven potential indicators of concern have been identified and air and debris/dust samples will be taken. Projected Cost: $1.3 million Status of Requestfor FEMA mission assignment: Submitted.as revised 4/11/02. Under consideration by FEMA.

2. Creating a Data System with Existing Information Collected by NYC from the Private Sector on Environmental Testing Results and Clean Up Activity

[The inventory of existing test information needs to be combined with information generated by #5 and #6 above. It is not a “longer term” action. Existing data is being assembled and a draft web-form for indoor asbestos data is expected by the end of the week for internal review.]

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