OEM Press Release: Update on the City's Response to the Steam Pipe Explosion

Update 7/19/2007, 8:00 PM

UPDATE ON THE CITY’S RESPONSE TO THE STEAM PIPE EXPLOSION

The frozen zone remains in place, but is shrinking as clean-up work continues.
Vanderbilt Avenue has been reopened.
Tonight, 3rd Avenue will be closed from 8pm until 6am Friday for continued clean up efforts. At 6 AM Friday, 3rd Avenue will be permanently re-opened.
The boundaries of the vehicle staging area remain the same.
The Department of Environmental Protection conducted two types of testing: air quality and bulk samples of debris and dust.
The Department of Environmental Protection tests of 12 air samples showed none of them testing positive for asbestos. The steam, humidity, and rainfall probably helped the situation because it prevented asbestos particles from becoming airborne.
In addition, DEP conducted tests on 71 bulk samples of debris and dust taken from the surrounding area and we’ve gotten results back on 56 out of those 71 so far. Of the 56, 14 tested positive for asbestos and the rest did not. Out of the 14, 12 really were just trace amounts. DEP will continue testing until clean up work has been completed.
If your clothes were covered in dust and debris after the explosion put them in a bag and bring them to the Con Ed customer service center on 42nd St and Madison Avenue. If they are not covered in dust and debris wash them in the washing machine separately.
Clean-up on 42nd Street between Third and Park Avenues is being led by Con Edison. That work may be completed on Monday.
The EPA is cleaning up Lexington from 42nd to 43rd, which should be done by the end of the weekend.
The Health Department will be ordering all affected building owners in the frozen zone to hire qualified inspectors to inspect any areas that may have been exposed to the environment after the explosion as well as their HVAC systems. That includes rooftops, areas near broken windows and entryways. If they find debris it must be tested for asbestos and if tested positive then the building owners must have the area cleaned by a certified contractor before those buildings are reoccupied.
Building owners can reach the Health Department through 311 if they have any questions. If you are a business owner who is a tenant in an affected building, contact your building owner or manager, who should be in contact with the City via 311.