Memo re: review of EPA draft report excerpts, June 2003

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

D B > > T Excerpts from Chapter 3 of the Draft Report

Initial Actions Taken by New York City and EPA

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, EPA undertook several activities to address various issues related to indoor air. However, according to EPA documentation. New York City officials stated on September 30, 2001, that the City would not be requesting assistance from EPA regarding residential sampling or reoccupation issues, or roof debris cleanup. According to EPA Region 2 officials, since the City declined EPA’s offer of assistance on cleaning issues, EPA did not want to force itself into a lead agency role. Further, EPA Region 2 officials told us that a more assertive stance from EPA would have caused a level of confrontation that might have been counterproductive to the overall effort.

New York City’s Initial Response to Indoor Contamination

New York City officials held building owners responsible for cleaning up their own buildings, including interiors and exteriors. In general, landlords of rental units were responsible for cleaning apartment walls, ceilings, and floors; common areas, such as hallways and lobbies; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Renters were responsible for cleaning their personal belongings. In the case of resident- owned condominiums, residents were responsible for cleaning their units, while building owners were responsible for cleaning common areas and HVAC systems.

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