FEMA mission assignment proposal review, March 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Mission Assignment to FEMA on World Trade Center Monitoring and Cleanup March 11,2002

1) Follow-up Sampling Activities Related to the NYCDOH/ATSDR/EPA Indoor Pilot Residential Sampling

In November and December, 2001, 30 residential buildings were sampled to determine whether residents were being exposed to concentrations of materials that may be harmfill and to detennine whether areas cleaned up posed a public health concern. The air samples from inside the buildings showed no elevated levels of asbestos, however low levels of asbestos and fibrous glass were found in the settled dust in some of the residential units, common areas, and outdoor areas. Both fibrous glass and asbestos were found in residences previously cleaned, however elevated levels were not found in any of the 5 background sampling locations.

It is estimated that approximately 50 of the 98 areas (residential units, common areas, and outdoor areas) sampled during the November/December Pilot Residential pilot may require re-sampling after additional cleanup is completed. This sampling event will help to ensure the effectiveness of cleanup techniques (e.g., wet wipes, HEPA-vacuum) as well as to ensure that the residences are safe.

Cost Estimates

Conduct Follow-up Sampling for locations: Equipment and Laboratory Costs: $450,000 Travel and Per Diem for Sampling Team: $150,000

Total: $600,000

2) New York City Department of Environmental Protection Outdoor Building Inspection Program

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection Asbestos Control Program (ACP) with assistance fi-om representatives of the NYS Department of Labor (NYS DOL) and EPA performed site visits at buildings in the WTC vicinity to assess visible debris on building exteriors in January and February 2002. These assessments were conducted to follow-up on activities performed in October and November 2001, in which letters were sent to building owners identifying visual observations of building exteriors and the requirements for assessment and clean up, if necessary.

The visual assessments disclosed the presence of various amounts of debris with various dispersal patterns. The majority of buildings had isolated areas of debris specifically at the perimeter of the roofs, at the base of parapet walls, and in gutters. Debris was also visible at horizontal surfaces on building

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