October 1:
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 1, 2001
October 2:
EPA: Summary of Environmental Monitoring Operations at the
Pentagon
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 2, 2001
October 3:
FEMA: New York Office Announces Disaster Housing Assistance
Available from FEMA
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 3, 2001
October 4:
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 4, 2001
October 5:
NYCDOH: NYC Health Department Responds to Concerns About
Air Quality in Lower Manhattan
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 5, 2001
October 6:
FEMA: Disaster Assistance Begins With a Call
NEW!
October 8:
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 8, 2001 NEW!
October 9:
FEMA: Disaster Officials Offer Cleanup Tips For Affected WTC Victims NEW!
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 1, 2001
HHS Announces
First Wave of Emergency Fund Grants for Disaster-Related Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services
FEMA New York City Operations
Continue: $344 Million Committed So Far
FEMA Seeks Engineers, Architects,
Environmental Specialists for New York Office
FEMA: President Visits FEMA
Headquarters
Environmental Protection Agency Region III
October 2, 2001
Summary of Environmental
Monitoring Operations at the Pentagon
(full text below)
EPA Region III emergency responders worked with the FBI and the Defense Department from September 11 through September 29, 2001 to collect air, water, and debris samples at and around the Pentagon crash site to ensure the safety of response personnel, Pentagon employees, and nearby residents. EPA's air monitoring has not detected any pollutants from the fires and building debris that are of concern to the workers or the general public. EPA sampling also indicates that there is no threat of drinking water contamination. EPA is still awaiting the results of the analysis of the last several days of sampling. We will regularly post any updated information on this web page. The following is a brief summary of the sampling and monitoring that has taken place to date:
Sampling & Monitoring Work/Support Zone Air Quality
Throughout the two and a half weeks following the incident, EPA sampled the
air in the building work zone for asbestos, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
and other chemicals, and found only trace amounts substantially below levels
of concern. A total of 185 air samples have been collected and analyzed to date
in the work zone and support zones: 112 asbestos samples, 54 silica samples,
12 lead samples and 7 VOC samples. Of these samples only two silica samples
were slightly above the recommended levels for work areas. Since all of the
workers in the affected area were wearing respirators, this level of exposure
did not present a problem.
Sampling & Monitoring Off-site Air Quality
Beginning September 11, EPA sampled air in and around Washington D.C. and northern
Virginia, and the perimeter of the Pentagon facility for smoke, particulate
matter, VOCs, and other chemicals. EPA's sampling found contaminants at background
levels or substantially below levels of concern. Samples were collected continuously
from as many as three different locations for the period from September 12 through
September 17. In addition, data from existing ambient monitoring stations near
the Pentagon were evaluated for impacts from the fire. All data collected from
these stations were at levels typical of urban air pollution, and no influence
from the fire was detected.
Sampling & Monitoring Water Quality
EPA collected three samples of runoff water generated while fighting the fire,
and one sample of runoff from the North parking area (the debris sorting area).
These samples were analyzed for volatile and semi-volatile organics, metals,
and pesticides. Trace amounts of metals and other chemicals were found in the
runoff. The runoff from the response effort was routed to a sewage treatment
facility whenever possible, but much of it entered storm sewers and was discharged
into the Potomac River. Results from sampling the discharged water indicate
that amounts of contaminants were below levels of concern for short term exposure
for human health. The concentrations of contaminants in the runoff are not expected
to have any negative impact on aquatic life in the surface waters of the area,
most notably on the Potomac River.
Sampling Crash Site Debris
EPA sampled debris from inside the building for asbestos, lead and other metals.
A total of 8 ash/debris samples were taken inside the building and in the debris
sorting area. A few relatively high concentrations of metals were reported in
ash and soot- antimony (a metal) at up to 225 mg/kg and arsenic at up to 38
mg/kg. However short-term exposure and limited routes of contact have minimized
any potential for harm. Most of this debris is being or has been disposed of
in an approved construction waste landfill, where it will be covered and will
not be able to migrate into the environment. In addition, workers handling this
material were required to wear respirators and protective clothing.
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 2, 2001
NYCDOH:
Attention Media Colleagues: New Contact Numbers Established for NYC DOH Press
Office
NYCDOH:
Attention NYC Media: Press Office Establishes New Contact Numbers
NYCDOH:
Vital Records Update: Walk-In Service for Copies of Birth and Death Certificates
Resumes at 125 Worth Street: 8:30am - 4:30pm
HHS Announces
Release of $1.3 Million in Relief Funds to Older Americans Impacted by September
11 Disaster
FEMA: Disaster Assistance Service
Center Now Open in Lower Manhattan
Federal Emergency Management Agency
New York, N.Y., October 3, 2001
New York Office Announces Disaster
Housing Assistance Available from FEMA
(edited text below)
Edward F. Jacoby, Jr., state coordinating officer (SCO) and Ted Monette, federal coordinating officer (FCO) are urging those who can not yet return to their home or whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the attack to register for assistance. "Our top priority is to make sure that everyone is living in safe, habitable and secure housing," said Jacoby.
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 3, 2001
HHS Provides
New Aid to Cities for Disaster Preparedness
HHS Awards $10
Million for Child Traumatic Stress Initiative
HHS: Secretary
Thompson Testifies on Bioterrorism Preparedness
FEMA: Federal Aid Covers Exceptional
WTC Emergency Response Costs
FEMA: Memorial
Weekend To Honor NationŐs Fallen Firefighters
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 4, 2001
HHS: Public
Health Message Regarding Anthrax Case
FEMA In New York For As Long
As There Is Need
FEMA: Apply Even If You Have
Insurance
New York City Department of Health
Response to the World Trade Center Disaster
NYC
Health Department Responds to Concerns About Air Quality in Lower Manhattan
(full text below)
New York City Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D., today informed New Yorkers that despite the smoky conditions in areas of lower Manhattan that are close to the World Trade Center site, test results from the ongoing monitoring of airborne contaminants indicate that the levels continue to be below the level of concern to public health. Nonetheless, while debris continues to be disturbed, and while flare ups of smoke continue to permeate the downtown area, air testing results will continue to be monitored, and appropriate health recommendations will be issued as necessary.
Dr. Cohen added, 'As work continues at the disaster site, the presence of dust and smoke odor in the downtown area has been of understandable concern to residents. However, air monitoring by Federal, State and City agencies has indicated that the levels of particulate matter being detected are below the level of public health concern and do not pose long-term health risks to the general public. Some individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may experience exacerbation of symptoms, and other persons may also experience short-term discomfort including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.'
In addition to air monitoring activities, efforts are being made daily to suppress dust and smoke at the World Trade Center disaster site. Results of daily dust sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is available online at epa.gov. Fact sheets detailing Health Department recommendations pertaining to air quality, asbestos, safely re-occupying homes and buildings, and worker safety are available online at nyc.gov/health. For more information about all Health Department activities, New Yorkers can call (212) 227-5269.
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 5, 2001
Federal Emergency Management Agency
New York, N.Y., October 6, 2001
FEMA: Disaster Assistance Begins
With a Call
(full text below)
The fastest, most efficient way for people affected by the WTC attack to get disaster assistance is to make a single call to FEMA's toll-free registration line, state and federal disaster recovery officials emphasize.
"We want to assure people that there is assistance for all, for as long as they need help," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Ted Monette.
"We're here for the long-term, but we can't begin to help you until you call us," said State Coordinating Officer Edward F. Jacoby, Jr. "If we are unable to help, we know someone who can."
The number to call for federal and state assistance is 1-800-462-9029. Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are speech- or hearing- impaired should call TTY, 1-800-462-7585. Phone operators trained specifically to help victims of the WTC attack can register callers for federal and state assistance and provide information and referrals to resources offered by the city of New York and numerous voluntary agencies. Multilingual operators are available to assist callers in any language.
FEMA's use of a single toll-free registration number for the WTC attack uses a technique that is proven effective for the agency when dealing with large-scale natural disasters -- where thousands of people may be in need of help. Telephone registration is free and convenient to use. It eliminates the need for people to stand in line and fill out forms. It also enables experienced operators to more effectively help disaster victims, so that they can accurately assess needs and provide the best possible assistance.
FEMA, the state of New York, the city of New York and other voluntary agencies provide a range of assistance including grants for temporary housing or emergency repair; mortgage and rental assistance; individual and family grants to cover unmet needs; crisis counseling; medical bill coverage; disaster unemployment assistance; low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations. Small businesses may be eligible for working capital assistance.
Other Reports/Press Releases from October 8, 2001
FEMA'S Inspector General Warns Against Misuse of Disaster Assistance Funds
Federal Emergency Management Agency
New York, N.Y., October 9, 2001
Disaster Officials Offer Cleanup
Tips For Affected WTC Victims
(edited text below)
Some good advice mixed in with very dangerous advice. Do not follow cleanup tips. If there is asbestos in your home, do not touch it in any way: use professional asbestos abatement companies only!!
I don't have the resources to clean up my home or apartment. Can I get assistance?
Yes. For individuals who own their home, FEMA has grants for emergency cleaning or repairs to make your residence habitable. Register for assistance by calling FEMA at 1-800-462-9029 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585). An inspector will visit your home to determine what the maximum reimbursement to clean your home will be. If you lived in an apartment that was made unlivable as a result of the attack, you may be eligible for two months temporary housing assistance.
What should I do with food left in my apartment?
The power outage in much of lower Manhattan may have caused refrigerated and frozen food to spoil. Raw or cooked meat, poultry and seafood, milk and milk-containing products, eggs, mayonnaise, creamy dressings, and cooked foods should be thrown out if power was out for two or more hours. Frozen foods that have thawed should be thrown away. Do not re-freeze thawed food.
Throw away any food that may have been contaminated with dust, except for food in cans, jars or containers with tight-fitting lids. Wash cans and jars with water and wipe it clean. New York City Department of Health officials recommend that when it comes to food left in your building, if in doubt, throw it out.
How should I clean the dust in my apartment when I move back in?
[The correct answer is: you don't! Hire professionals. Ignore FEMA's very bad advice to do it yourself.]
For more information, call the city Health Department's General Information line at: 212-213-1844 during normal business hours, or visit their website at nyc.gov/health.
How is the American Red Cross assisting residents who are returning to their homes and facing a monumental clean-up task?
The Red Cross is providing cleaning supplies to the affected areas to assist residents as they attempt to clean their homes and return to a daily routine. In addition to distributing traditional clean-up kits, which consists of a mop, broom, bucket, rubber gloves and bleach/disinfectant, additional cleaning supplies will be available for use by the residents. They include dust caps (surgical type), dust masks, shoe and boot covers, lip moisturizer, large trash bags and liquid instant hand sanitizer.
[Shame on the Red Cross for putting people's lives in danger with these kits. If there is asbestos in your home, do not clean it up yourself!]
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