Draft letter to FEMA on WTC debris removal and asbestos

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

May 23, 2002 Brad Gai r Federal Emergency Management Agency 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10278 Dear Mr. Gai r: 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 buildings near the WTC site have revealed that, while many buildings are now free of debris, other buildings still have visible deposits of material from the WTC collapse, in addition, area residents have expressed concern over the presence of dust and debris from the collapse in their homes, which is perceived as a possible health concern. The City of New York believes that it is in the public interest to remove this material from interior and exterior spaces 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. Elevated levels of airborne asbestos can, in certain circumstances, cause health-related problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Tne removal of this material will assure that it will not become re-entrained in the air in the future, thereby protecting against any adverse effects on air quality or public health and safety. These efforts will encourage area residents to remain in lower Manhattan and area businesses to re-open or return to their downtown locations. This will reinforce the confidence of area residents and workers and therefore expedite and enhance the economic revitalization of lower Manhattan. The City of New York therefore requests that FEMA provide the necessary funding for the hiring of contractors to perform the cleaning and/or testing of interior and exterior spaces, as appropn ate. New York City Department of Environmental Protection

Christopher 0. Ward, Commissioner New York City Department of Health

By: New York City Economic Development Corporation

NYC-WTC_000153461