WTC Q and A document transmission, March 25 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

(Questions and Answers March 25,10:00atn

Category; testing for better cleaning methods

Q. Does the fact that you are doing a pilot cleaning project to assess cleaning methods mean that you don’t think the advice given to apartment owners is sound? EPA believes that the advice given to apartment owners is sound. In certain situations, where apartments were not very dusty, wet mops and HEPA vacs are good ways to get rid of the dust without allowing it to become airborne. For apartments with significant dust, EPA and NYCDEP recommended professional cleaning, which would also mean methods designed to prevent the dust from getting airborne. Because some residents have expressed concern about the cleanup methods recommended by the city, EPA is doing this assessment to confirm the effectiveness of the cleaning methods and, if necessary to make improvements or clarifications to existing recommendations.

Q. What cleaning methods will you try?

A. We will clean using a variety of methods, ranging fi-om wet mops and HEPA vacs to professional level asbestos abatements. We will also test upholstery, furniture and carpets to see what cleaning techniques work on these items.

Q. Why is EPA cleaning an unoccupied building, and not a building where people are living and might be at risk?

A. EPA will chose a building that is unoccupied and has not been disturbed since September 11 because such a building will have the same conditions as many buildings did when they were inititally cleaned. By using an undisturbed building, EPA can thoroughly test a number of cleaning techniques and compare their effectiveness in a worst case scenarios.

Q. Have you chosen the building?

No. The city will provide EPA with a list of residential buildings that have not been cleaned or re-occupied since Sept. 11. The list of options is likely to be very small. Access, structural integrity, and proximity to the WTC site will be considered.

Q. When will you begin cleaning?

FEMA is working closely with the city to get the funding necessary to do the cleaning. Once the funding is in place, EPA can begin the field work.

Q. How can I volunteer my apartment to be tested?

A. The New York City’s special hotline (212-221-8635) will take your requests.

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