May 5, 2006

Contact: 311

Important Information About Air Quality in Greenpoint

The Department of Environmental Protection performed air monitoring at the site from 10:15 AM to 9:00 PM on May 2, the day of the fire. Monitoring was done for volatile organic compounds, chlorine, ammonia, cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and various flammable gases. Field results were negative for any unusual levels of these substances.

Additional air samples were collected to be taken to a laboratory that day for analysis. Laboratory results were received Thursday May 4 and showed that all levels were below regulatory values as dictated by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

Order to the Property Owner

On Thursday afternoon, the Department of Environmental Protection’s Hazardous Materials Unit issued a Commissioner’s Order to the owner of the site. The order requires the owner to:

• Secure the site 24-hours-a-day with private security guards.
• Hire a licensed asbestos investigator to be on-site during demolition and inspection of the premises.
• Hire a licensed hazardous waste contractor to be on-site during demolition and inspection of the premises.
• Sample within 24 hours any substances that the licensed investigator or contractor determine may be hazardous, and to report findings promptly to the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Remediate within two weeks any hazardous materials that are found on the site.
• Perform air sampling at the perimeter of the site to ensure that dust does not enter the community during demolition. Department of Environmental Protection personnel will continue to monitor the site on a daily basis to ensure compliance with the Commissioner’s Order. This monitoring will include air and debris sampling to verify data reported by the property owner. Non-compliance will result in fines and violations being issued to the building owner.