A View of the World Trade Center Site from the Hudson River.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Deutsche Bank Building at 130 Liberty Street
Q: What assurance can the LMDC give that no contaminants of potential concern are escaping from the gash in the building? Why hasn't the building been encased in plastic under negative pressure? Top
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A: The LMDC has undertaken several steps, both in the gash area and the remainder of the building, to ensure that contaminants are not released in to the community. The gash area of the building has previously undergone remediation and has been sealed off from the rest of the building to prevent recontamination, and was done so under the ownership of Deutsche Bank. Since LMDC took ownership of the building, we have continued the ambient air monitoring program on the exterior of the building to monitor potential contaminants from the gash area as well as the building in general. The air monitoring results are available on the LMDC web site for public review.
Q: Has LMDC been working with the MTA? Are subway riders safe? Top
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A: Yes, the LMDC has been working with the MTA throughout the planning process for the deconstruction project. The MTA is fully aware of the phased approach to the deconstruction and the regulatory approval process that is necessary before we begin work. The MTA will receive the revised Phase I deconstruction plan when developed. The revised plan will include all the locations of proposed air monitoring stations. The LMDC will continue discussions with the MTA to coordinate necessary precautions to prevent any contaminants of potential concern from affecting their operations.
Q: Has the LMDC finalized the procedure for transporting and disposing of contaminated materials in a way that does not impact the surrounding area? Top
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A: No, LMDC is continuing to review the various alternatives for transporting contaminated materials. These will be explained in the revised Phase I Deconstruction Plan.
Q: The Comments from the EPA regarding the Draft Phase I Deconstruction Plan included a comment on fine particles and how the deconstruction of 130 Liberty may contribute to "already unhealthful levels of fine particles in Lower Manhattan." Is there an explanation for this statement? Top
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A: The EPA has clarified that the comment regarding "already unhealthful levels of fine particles in Lower Manhattan" is in relation to a much broader air quality issue than anything directly related to 130 Liberty, or even September 11th. The EPA has developed health-based standards for fine particles in the air and has identified areas throughout the country that attain the standard and identified areas that exceed the standard. The areas that exceed the standard fine particle concentration or contribute to problems in other areas were labeled "non attainment" areas. The five boroughs of New York City and adjacent areas are a non-attainment area as a result of emissions from motor vehicles, construction equipment, industry, power plants and dense population. As such, EPA's comment relates to its concern that all reasonable measures should be taken to avoid exacerbating the existing air quality problem whether it be in lower Manhattan or any other part of the metropolitan area for that matter. The EPA has numerous initiatives underway to reduce the health threat of fine particles. For more information click here.
Q: When will the deconstruction start? Top
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A: The Phase I Deconstruction plan is currently being revised and will be resubmitted to the regulatory agencies for further review and final approval before any cleaning and deconstruction activity begins. Once final approval is received, the LMDC's contractor will mobilize equipment and prepare for Phase I activities. It is currently anticipated that this work will begin this summer.