EPA WORKER WASH TENT TAKEN DOWN

Recovery work at Ground Zero has come to a close and as a result, a familiar structure - the giant white EPA worker wash tent at Murray and West Streets – has been dismantled. The 31,000 square foot structure, affectionately known to workers as the "Taj Mahal," was a far cry from the architectural splendor of its 15th Century namesake. Nonetheless, it provided a place for thousands of recovery workers to dust off, clean up and eat a hot meal.

EPA erected small tents throughout the ground zero area shortly after September 11th where workers could clean off their boots and clothes and reduce the spread of dust from the site. With winter fast approaching, the Agency decided it needed a more permanent and – most importantly – warmer place for workers to wash up. The solution was a 260-foot by 120-foot tent-like structure, rising nearly 50 feet tall at its apex, which became yet another symbol of what is unarguably the most devastating event in New York City history.

The wash station was a great success, with nearly 650,000 worker-visits made since it was erected in November. By donating half of the huge structure to the Salvation Army, EPA ensured that workers would use the wash station. It was simple – if you want a meal, you have to wash. Those meals were good, and many a worker who might not have used the wash station did so to get that much-needed comfort food. The highest traffic days topped 6,000 visits. The total cost of erecting, maintaining and dismantling the structure, in addition to paying rent for the parking lot space, was $ 8.25 million.

The last support frame came down at 2:37 pm on June 26th and the Taj Mahal was history. But the structure was, after all, just a shell. It was the recovery workers who made it special. EPA would like to thank all of those who worked so hard to help our city and our nation begin to heal. While we know we must move on, EPA will miss you all.