Lead wipe clearance testing results, 114 Liberty, March 2003

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Gilsenan, Michael From: Theodorellys, Penny Sent: Monday. April 07. 2003 10:27 AM To: <[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; PH I [email protected] ; [email protected]; bRSCC@topnotchfns^ [email protected]; [email protected]; ________ pji________ j [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];[_______________ [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Fernandez; [email protected] ; [email protected] Cc: Gilsenan, Michael; Radhakrishnan, Krish Subject: 114 Liberty Street

This is in response to your request to leave the polyethylene sheeting over the windows in place at the completion of the Department’s unoccupied building clean up of debris from the collapse of the WTC.

It is my understanding that building representatives and the Department retained contractor, ETS, were in discussions regarding this matter prior to addressing the request with the Department. I received the first call and inquiry while at home on Friday evening (April 4, 2003) while the breakdown was directed to begin at 7:00 a.m. Saturday (April 5, 2003). The two major issues are the late request to the Department for the change in project planning and the direct communication with the contractor rather than the Department. Also, please note the written request was received on Saturday, April 5, 2003 at 9:42 A.M. The request included two original messages dated Friday, April 4, 2003 at 8:35 P.M. and at 9:21 P.M. that were not received. Also, the project monitor, JLC Consultants, did not receive the information regarding the request.

Despite the notice, the Department reviewed your request and agreed to permit the polyethylene sheeting to remain over the windows. The polyethylene sheeting installed over existing damaged in place asbestos -containing material in the residential spaces was left in place. Further, the floor commercial space (Pizzeria) was isolated from the remainder of the building. The demolition of the dropped ceiling in the Pizzeria disclosed the presence of delaminated and damaged asbestos­ containing material (ACM). This material had lost its cohesion properties and was falling off in large sections. Further, the substrate was also found to be asbestos-containing material. The area was cleaned and passed a visual inspection by the Department prior to its isolation, however, clearance testing was not performed. Also, in the basement above the oil tank there is a partial layer of white block. The blocks were in good condition and therefore were not sampled nor covered.

As you are aware, statement made to the Department prior to the initiation of the cleaning activities indicated that the building did not have in place ACM. Please note, an asbestos survey and assessment must be performed prior to construction/renovation activities, notification to the Department must be made prior to handling ACM, and all work must be performed in accordance with the asbestos rules.

The contractor and monitor have demobilized equipment based on the preliminary review of clearance data by the USEPA and the Department.

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