NYC-WTC_000199545

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

SEP-lS-2001 10154 USEPA-RESP. S PREU. BR. 732 33’ 4425 P.02x06

I EPA Region 2 World Trade Center Emergency Response Activities to Date September 18, 2001

Since the day of die World Trade Center disaster, EPA Emergency Response personnel have worked clo.sely with sure and local officials as well as other federal agencies to ensure the safety of rescue workers and surrounding population. EPA has assisted numerous financial firms m gaining access to their buildings and returning to operation.

The activities include: • Coutlnuoui air monitoring: EPA has set up ten continuous ait monitors in and aiound "ground zero, " ond is testing samples for the presence of asbestos, VOCs, lead and dioxin. The majority of sample results thus far indicate that asbestos levels arc below levels of concern. The highest levels came from a monitor located one-half block from ground zero, demonstrar.ng the need for rescuers to wear appropriate protective gear. We aie awaiting other results.

Ootdoor air sampling: Before establishing the conlin’jous air monitoring stations, EPA took daily air samples from a number of locations in lower Manhattan, as well as in western Brooklyn and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. 50 air samples were taken, a vast majority again showing levels of asbestos and other chemicals below EPA's threshold of concern. In fast, in most eases, osbestos was not detected.

Indoor air sampling: EPA took 13 samples of indoor air in two federal buildings last week, and again all samples showed asbestos levels that were well below levels of concern. Tnese buildings ate likely to be good indicators of asbestos levels in sound buildings in the area of tlie disaster. EPA also reviewed data from an environmental company hired by the New York Stock Exchange to inspect its building prior to the reopening on Monday, Sept 17 Data from die Stock Exchange also showed no levels of concent.

Dust Sampling; EPA has taken 62 samples of dust in and around ground zero, including in the financial district. Most of these samples were below EP.A's definition of asbestos containing material (1% asbestos). Where samples were shown to have greater than 1% asbestos - numbers ranged from 1.1 to 4.5% - EPA has vacuumed up the dust usmg special trucks and has re-sampled.

Vacuum Trucks: EPA has been operating 10 SUPEP.VAC HEPA vacuum truc'<cs to help the city cleanup the streets in the financial district, clean lobbies of federal buildings, and to assist where needed.

Drinking Water Sampling: EPA and the city split samples taken from 13 routine drinking water sampling points in water mains in lower manhatan. Most of the analysis is not yet completed on tliese samples, but there were no detectable levels of asbestos.

Hudson River Sampling: EPA took a sample al the site of a storm drain near ' ground aero” during a rain storm to determine the level of contaminants in water running off the site into the Hudson River. Results ore expected this week.

TAGA Unit: EPA is using its sophisticated mobile air monitoring unit to take samples of air and test for air toxics. None of the six samples taken indicated levels of concern.

Wastewater Treatment Plant: EPA took several samples from the Newtown Creek Sewage Treatment Plant, which is the recipient of storm water from lower Manhattan. Results are expected later this week.

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