DEP letter to FEMA on WTC debris removal, May 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

DRAFT-5/3W3 6/6/02

[DATE]

Mr. Brad Gair Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 26 Federal Plaza New York, New York 10278

Dear Mr. Gair:

The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) towers on September 11, 2001 resulted in the depositing of dust and debris on and/or in many buildings in lower Manhattan. Recent inspections of building exteriors near the WTC site revealed that, while many of the buildings are now free of debris, other buildings still have visible deposits of material from the WTC collapse.

The City of New York believes that it is in the public interest to remove this material from the exterior of buildings in the vicinity of the WTC site. Samples collected during the inspections indicate that asbestos may be present in some of the debris. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of airborne asbestos can, in certain circumstances, cause health-related problems. The removal of this material will thereby protect against any adverse effects on air quality or public health and safety.

In addition to removal of debris from building exteriors, area residents have expressed concerns about the possible presence of debris or dust in their homes, which is perceived as a health concern. While some interior spaces have been cleaned by building owners or residents, others have not. The City believes that it is also in the public interest to institute a program of cleaning interior residential spaces, to prevent asbestos (if present) from becoming airborne, and to provide assurance to residents that their concerns are being addressed.

Lower Manhattan is the financial capital of the world, and its revival is therefore Critical not only to the City but to the nation as a whole. Anectodal evidence suggests that ensuFmg the area's environmental safety - especially with regards to it.s air quality is a primary concern for many area business executives. - The exterior cleaning program outlined above seeks to address these concerns. We hope that these efforts will play an important part in the City’s ongoing efforts to retain and attract area businesses.

A.s you well know. Lower Manhattan is also home to a growing residential community, which play.s an important role in the economic health of the area as well. The efforts outlined above will ene0UFageaiea-busiflesses-t<>stey4n-er-fetm4>t<>4+ie-dewaitowir-arearM^^^ programs outlined above will encourage residents to continue living there and contributing to the economic and social vitality of the area. Thi^v-HetuFU-will-si+’engtheu-pul^ie-eonfidenee-i-n-the

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