NYC-WTC_000153058

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

DRAFT EXCERPTS - FOR REVIEW & DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

the WTC bombing in 1993, the Port Authority initiated a program to remove asbestos-containing materials from the WTC complex. In regard to the WTC towers, the Port Authority advised the NYCDDC that one tower contained asbestos fire-proofing up to approximately the 40* floor while the other tower did not use asbestos-containing fire-proofing. However, an EPA On-Scene Coordinators’ understanding was that only accessible asbestos-containing material was removed from WTC buildings 4, 5, and 6.

Although a formal notification was not filed, NYC officials told us that proper planning was taken and proper work practices followed in removing asbestos­ containing material which was below grade, and to minimize exposure to asbestos­ containing material. In the view of New York City officials, proper planning was ensured through the use of daily health and safety meetings that were held to discuss, among other things, removal of asbestos-containing material. These meeting included representatives from a number of City, State, and Federal agencies, including EPA.

Demolition of Damaged Buildings

NYCDDC was responsible for the demolition of the damaged WTC buildings and removal of the demolition debris. In addition to WTC 1 and 2 (North and South Towers, respectively), WTC 3 (Marriott Hotel) collapsed from tower debris and WTC 7 also collapsed after burning for approximately 7 hours. The remaining three buildings in the WTC Complex - - WTC 4 (South Plaza), WTC 5 (North Plaza), and WTC 6 (U.S. Customs) - - were all significantly damaged. According to an EPA On-Scene Coordinator, the damaged buildings were considered in danger of collapse. The demolition of all WTC complex buildings to ground level was completed by late December 2001. WTC 4 and WTC 5 were brought down by a large concrete block that was suspended by a cable. Use of this wrecking device required a special approval from the New York City Department of Buildings, which was granted. WTC 6 was brought down with mechanical grapplers and cutting shears.

Both NYCDDC and OSHA officials told us that the WTC site was under continuous dust suppression. OSHA officials told us that this dust suppression was very successful, and that two minutes after demolition you could see across the space where the buildings had been. OSHA officials further stated that it would have been too dangerous to send abatement contractors into WTC 4, WTC 5, or WTC 6 to remove asbestos-containing material before demolition.

DRAFT EXCERPTS - FOR REVIEW & DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

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NYC-WTC_000153066