Draft letter to FEMA on WTC debris removal and asbestos

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Date #of u Post-if Fax Note 7671 pages From PaU AtJrLak) I Co./Dept. Co. DRAFT- 5/29/03 6Z6Z02 Phone # Phono #

Fax# Fax#

[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.

r■s X 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 confidence in the area’s environmental safety - especially with regards to its air quality - is a primary concern for many area business executives. The exterior cleaning program outlined above seeks to address these concerns. We h»pyth«i^hese efforts will play an important part in the City’s ongoing efforts to retain and attract ar6al)usinesses.

As 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 outline^bove wiH encourage area businesses to stay in or return to the downtown area, and We-hope thaf^^ programs outlined above will encourage residents to continue living there and contributing to the economic and social vitality of the area. This, in turn, will strengthen public confidence in the future of lower Manhattan and expedite and enhance the economic revitalization of the area.

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