Newspaper article on EPA WTC cleanup criticism, August 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

In related news, the D.E.P. announced last week that inspectors have found minimal presence of asbestos and other contaminants from World Trade Center debris on the roofe and exteriors of buildings Downtown. Under the Exterior Building Cleanup Program, building owners whose properties have been identified as having World Trade Center debris are eligible to have the debris removed by licensed asbestos contractors at no cost. To date, more than 1,000 buildings Downtown have been inspected. Three quarters of the buildings inspected have shown no evidence of debris. Of those upon which debris has been identified, 81 buildings have been cleaned and an additional 56 buildings are either in the process of being cleaned or have been scheduled for future cleanup. For information about the Exterior Building Clean-Up Program call (718) DEP-HELP. For information on indoor cleanup call (877) 796-5471.

Downtown Workers Publication: New York Times By: Norma Ramos I Date: August 14,2002 To the Editor: Re “U.S. to Test for Contaminants in 250 Downtown Apartments” (news article, Aug. 7): The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to address contamination resulting from the World Trade Center’s collapse only in certain residential apartments is unacceptable. It continues the policy of leaving thousands of the area’s office workers exposed and at risk. Recently, the Sierra Club, at its own expense, had our office space, located six blocks east of the World Trade Center site, tested for mercury contamination. The tests concluded that our office does have residual contamination, and noted that the terrace adjacent to our windows still contains World Trade Center dust. There is no rationale to protect one segment of an exposed population and leave another to fend for itself. NORMA RAMOS New York, Aug. 7,2002 The writer, an environmental lawyer, is New York City senior regional representative. Sierra Club.

Brad Gair FEMA WTC Federal Recovery Office (646) 746-1888 (office) (917) 842-7947 (cell)

—Original Message— ilf ifcsi Sent: Tuesday, August 06,2002 15:56 To: ‘[email protected]’ Cc: Ward, Chris Subject: FW: fact sheets for cleanup program

« File: WTC.C&T.wpd » « File: wtc.CAHVAC.wpd » « File: wtc.PC&T.wpd »

NYC-WTC_000161371