NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
MEMORANDUM
TO: Robert C. Avaltroni
FROM: Moustafa Fawzy
DATE: October 2, 2001
SUBJECT: Future Progress at WTC Site
Currently, the DERTA staff does not believe we can safely move
the site perimeter any closer to ground zero. This site is very dynamic
with many unknown hazards still present. The condition of this site
changes daily and is effected by many parameters such as weather. This
site continues to pose new evolving risks.
The feasibility of moving the current safe site perimeter in closer
proximity to ground zero can only be safely achieved after major site
controls occur.
There currently are no sets of standards that exist to deal with this
type of catastrophic disaster. There are no current outdoor standards for
asbestos. Indoor standards for asbestos only for abatement
projects. There are no risk-based assessments or concrete background
levels in air that there is consensus on. The TEM test performed for
indoor abatement clearance of 70 asbestos structures can be argued as
not being safe enough or being well above normal background levels
found in air.
In addition, there are other particulates (such as fiberglass, paper,
etc.) which one can argue pose an added risk to the public. Therefore,
DERTA has been using a more conservative approach in ensuring air
quality.
DERTA recommends, at a minimum, the following control
measures be implemented at ground zero. Firstly, a permanent three
story non-permeable barrier should be erected around ground zero.
DERTA recommends a walk through with the appropriate agencies to
develop the boundaries for this barrier. One will have to look at which
NYC-WTC_000160469
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