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EPA-OSHA FACT SHEET: Other Environmental Issues Related to the Attack on the World Trade Center
Data through September 30, 2001

Drinking water:
EPA and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection sampled drinking water from 13 water mains in lower Manhattan on September 15. Typically, sampling is done at the water main distribution points and not at the tap. Asbestos was not detected in any of the samples, nor was any bacterial contamination. PCBs and pesticides levels were below detectable levels, and metals (including mercury) and radioactivity (both alpha and beta) did not exceed EPA drinking water standards.

Water:
EPA has collected water samples from the Hudson and East Rivers where storm sewers and surface runoff is discharged following days of heavy rain to determine if any potential contaminants from the site are entering area waters. Initial runoff samples showed some elevated levels of PCBs, dioxin, asbestos and metals. Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were at levels normally found in city combined sewage flows. Follow-up samples found non-detectable levels of asbestos, PCBs and PAHs and metals below the level of concern.

EPA has also collected water samples from the 13th Street Pump Station, which transfers wastewater from lower Manhattan to the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Brooklyn. As a precaution, the Newtown Creek plant is segregating the sewage flows from lower Manhattan and will not use the sludge from these flows for beneficial use. Analysis of samples taken for dioxin showed no elevated levels.

Fresh Kills Landfill:
EPA has been monitoring and analyzing dust levels at the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island, where debris from the World Trade Center site is being taken for storage and analysis by the FBI. EPA has taken 162 air samples at the landfill, with only two exceeding the AHERA standard. EPA has found no cause for alarm, but is advising FBI crews at the landfill to wear respirators and to suppress the dust with water when dust levels rise. EPA is now operating and has upgraded washing stations for workers and trucks at the site, which were previously managed by the National Guard. Recent data indicates dust levels on the site are decreasing.

Small Business Assistance:
EPA Compliance Assistance staff are working with the Small Business Administration to provide information to impacted small businesses regarding assistance loans and cleanup options. Business owners can contact SBA disaster assistance at 1-800-659-2955.

Additional EPA/OSHA Information Through September 30
Latest Available Daily Environmental Monitoring Summary

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