EPA Response Activity - September 17

Air Monitoring – On 9/16, EPA posted results of air screening samples collected by Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) buses on 9/12-13 from multiple locations in New Orleans. The screening results indicated that chemical concentrations in most areas are below Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) health standards of concern. The low level of volatile pollutants is not surprising as contaminants may be bound to the sediment. Monitoring data directly around the Murphy Oil spill revealed some slightly elevated levels of benzene and toluene that are associated with the petroleum release. Long-term exposure (a year or longer) at the levels measured would be required for health effects to be of concern. These initial results represent the beginning of extensive sampling efforts and do not represent all air conditions throughout the area. As this is a dynamic situation, general conclusions should not be made regarding air safety based on results from this snapshot of data.

Drinking Water Assessment – In the LA affected area, there are a total of 683 drinking water facilities that served approximately 2.8 million people. As of 9/16, EPA has determined that 498 of these facilities are operational, 26 are operating on a boil water notice and 159 are either inoperable or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3,219,690 people. EPA has determined that 1,073 of these facilities are operational, 231 are operating on a boil water notice and 64 are either inoperable or their status is unknown. In the AL affected area, there are a total of 72 drinking water facilities that served approximately 960,682 people. EPA has determined that 71 of these facilities are operational, 1 is operating on a boil notice. It should be noted that “operational” facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction.

Wastewater – In the LA affected area, there are a total of 122 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/16, EPA has determined that 86 of these facilities are operational and 36 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 115 POTW. EPA has determined that 111 of these facilities are operational and 4 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the AL affected area, only 1 facility is not operating with 7 others having operational difficulties. It should be noted that “operational” facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction.

Debris Assessment and Collection – EPA teams continue collection of household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers. In addition, EPA personnel continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. As of 9/16, EPA has collected 26,656 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region.

Sediment Sampling – On 9/16, EPA released preliminary results of initial sediment sampling from New Orleans and recommended avoiding all contact with the sediment, where possible, due to the presence of E. coli and fuel oils. In the event contact occurs, EPA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly advise the use of soap and water, if available, to clean the exposed areas, and the removal of contaminated clothing.

Gulf/Mississippi Water Sampling – EPA’s ocean vessel, the Bold, is expected to be deployed 9/26 on a mission to survey the waters of the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico in the plume of the Mississippi River. The surveys will take about three weeks to complete.

Air Surveillance – In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LEDQ), EPA's airplane ASPECT has flown 15 flights to obtain environmental screening data. Results of this surveillance were posted on the EPA website 9/14. Compounds identified were not found to be at levels exceeding OSHA standards with one exception. In this instance, the detection was reported to EPA responders on the ground. The responders located the source, a 55-gallon drum containing 4 inches of Chloro Acetic Acid. The drum was secured by EPA response personnel.

Superfund Sites – On 9/13, EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) sent teams to conduct reconnaissance at the four accessible National Priority List (NPL) sites. In addition, EPA has done an overflight assessment of the 5th site, since it is currently under water. EPA is also in the process of working with the states to assess 9 NPL sites in the hurricane affected areas of MS and AL.

Hurricane Katrina Operations: Since August 29, 2005, two Area Command Teams are providing Incident Management Team coordination at the FEMA Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta, Georgia and at the Louisiana Emergency Operations Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Numerous resources are being mobilized as part of the Katrina relief effort (updated 9/16/05):

• 7 Type 1 Incident Management Teams
• 10 Type 2 Incident Management Teams
• 1 Florida State Incident Management Team
• 5 Logistics Management Teams
• 1 Planning Team
• 1 Florida State All Risk Incident Management Team
• 3 National Park Service All Risk Teams
• 2 Area Command Teams
• 72 crews
• 3,011 crew and overhead personnel from state and federal agencies. (National Interagency Fire Center)