Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Week 2: September 4 - September 10
EPA Regional Information
EPA Region 4 (for Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi)
EPA Region 6 (for Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas)
Saturday, September 10
Friday, September 9
Thursday, September 8
Wednesday, September 7
- Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina
- EPA and CDC Report High Levels of Bacterial Contamination in Preliminary Floodwater Samples from New Orleans
Tuesday, September 6
- Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina
- EPA and HHS Urge Caution in Areas Exposed to Contaminated Flood Water
Monday, September 5
Sunday, September 4
- Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina
- Caution urged dealing with debris and entering hurricane damaged buildings
EPA Response Activity - September 10
Flood Water Analysis - On 9/9, EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality posted data from New Orleans flood water samples collected from 12 locations in the September 3-5 time period. The data has been reviewed and validated through a quality assurance process to ensure scientific accuracy. The results show the public and emergency responders should avoid contact with the standing water and are publicly available at the EPA website - https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/index.html. Daily sampling is ongoing and EPA, in coordination with federal, state and local agencies will continue to release data as it becomes available.On 9/7, Administrator Johnson released the initial sampling results at a news conference.
Public Advisories - On 9/6, EPA and HHS issued an advisory cautioning the public and all responders about the possible hazards of flood waters due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous materials. On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings.
Recovery - EPA discontinued search and rescue operations in LA on 9/9 to focus on environmental response activities. Approximately, 793 rescues have been made by EPA in LA.
Drinking Water Assessment - EPA continues assessment of damage to local drinking systems and providing technical assistance to help restore service in AL, MS, and LA. Many systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power, and some are now operating under boiled water notices. The total number of systems that remain affected is 4 in AL , 433 in MS, and 468 in LA. EPA has two mobile laboratories in MS and two in LA.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater treatment facilities in LA and MS. EPA estimates the number of wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 114 in LA and 9 in MS. All wastewater systems in AL are operating normally.
Air Surveillance - EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/7, ASPECT conducted overflights of railroad yards. Current plans are being developed for using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys. These surveys will be conducted due to concerns over potential radiological sources from universities and hospitals. EPA and state officials continue to collect air quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-the-ground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New Orleans and surrounding area continue.
Incident Management Team - On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing of a second full Incident Management Team (IMT) began mobilization to LA. On 9/2 EPA deployed a 17 person IMT to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and manage EPA’s field operations.
Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) - EPA has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge , LA and Jackson , MS to consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the hurricane.
Fuel Waivers - On 9/9, EPA extended a limited waiver from the reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond , VA , metropolitan area through 9/23. In consultation with DOE, we are closely monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for waivers in other areas. On 9/9, EPA extended Georgia ’s request to waive its state sulfur requirement through 10/5 which required clean burning gasoline to be sold in the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel shortages across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA granted a nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15.
Hazardous Waste Disposal - On 9/10, EPA will begin setting up household hazardous waste collection centers for each affected Parish in LA. EPA personnel continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane.
Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged buildings.
Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Training for the call center volunteers began on September 8th.
EPA Response Activity - September 9
EPA emergency response personnel are working in partnership with FEMA to help assess the damage and prepare for cleanup from Katrina. In emergency situations such as this, EPA serves as the lead Agency for the cleanup of hazardous materials, including oil and gasoline. Our national and regional Emergency Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day.
Recovery - EPA will discontinue search and rescue operations in LA effective 9/9 to focus on environmental response activities. Approximately, 793 rescues have been made by EPA in LA. Forty-two EPA water craft are currently available for rescue and environmental assessment efforts.
Flood Water Analysis - At a news conference with CDC on 9/7, Administrator Johnson released initial sampling results of New Orleans flood waters from six locations. Preliminary information indicates that counts for E. Coli in sampled areas greatly exceed EPA's recommended levels for contact. Also lead concentrations exceeded drinking water action levels which would be a concern if the flood water was a child's source of drinking water. Given these preliminary results, emergency response personnel and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. Collection of flood water samples began 9/3 in downtown New Orleans . Samples were shipped to a Houston lab and a local lab in Lafayette, LA for analysis. Daily sampling is ongoing.
Public Advisories - On 9/6, EPA and HHS issued an advisory cautioning the public and all responders about the possible hazards of flood waters due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous materials. On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings.
Drinking Water Assessment - EPA continues assessment of damage to local drinking systems and providing technical assistance to help restore service in AL, MS, and LA. Many systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power, and some are now operating under boiled water notices. The total number of systems that remain affected is 73 in AL, 555 in MS, and 469 in LA. EPA has two mobile laboratories in MS and two in LA.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater treatment facilities in LA and MS. EPA estimates the number of wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 114 in LA and 9 in MS. All wastewater systems in AL are operating normally.
Air Surveillance - EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/7, ASPECT conducted overflights of railroad yards. Current plans are being developed for using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys. These surveys will be conducted due to concerns over potential radiological sources from universities and hospitals. EPA and state officials continue to collect air quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-the-ground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New Orleans and surrounding area continue.
Incident Management Team - On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing of a second full Incident Management Team (IMT) began mobilization to LA. On 9/2 EPA deployed a 17 person IMT to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and manage EPA's field operations.
Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) - EPA has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and Jackson, MS to consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the hurricane.
Fuel Waivers - On 9/2, EPA granted a limited waiver from the reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond, VA, metropolitan area through 9/9. In consultation with DOE, we are closely monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for waivers in other areas. On 9/1, EPA granted Georgia 's request to waive its state sulfur requirement through 9/15 which required clean burning gasoline to be sold in the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel shortages across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA granted a nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15.
Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. EPA will commence some household hazardous waste collection in LA. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane.
Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged buildings.
Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Training for the call center volunteers began on September 8th.
EPA Response Activity - September 8
EPA emergency response personnel are working in partnership with FEMA to help assess the damage and prepare for cleanup from Katrina. In emergency situations such as this, EPA serves as the lead Agency for the cleanup of hazardous materials, including oil and gasoline. Our national and regional Emergency Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day.
Recovery - EPA anticipates conducting limited search and rescue operations in LA on 9/8. Food and water were distributed and an additional 12 people were rescued. Approximately, 787 rescues have been made by EPA in LA. Thirty-three EPA water craft are currently available for rescue and environmental assessment efforts. EPA will discontinue search and rescue operations in LA effective 9/9 to focus on environmental response activities.
Drinking Water Assessment - EPA estimates the number of water systems affected is 73 in AL, 555 in MS and 469 in LA. In AL, many water systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power. Three systems in AL currently have boil water advisories. Two of these systems are awaiting sample results. The other system is running on emergency power. EPA continues its assessment of damage to local drinking water systems in MS, and provides technical assistance to help restore safe drinking water to those systems. EPA has two mobile laboratories in MS assisting the state Department of Public Health in drinking water analysis. The mobile labs became operational on 9/8. Boil water notices issued have increased from 404 to 464 water systems in MS. Samples from these systems will be analyzed for total fecal coliform bacteria before the systems restore service . EPA is assisting the LA Department of Health and Hospitals in assessing drinking water and has deployed 35 more EPA personnel to LA this week. There are approximately 378 drinking water systems that are not in operation in LA with another 48 systems on a boil water notice. In LA, one EPA mobile lab is currently testing drinking water samples and providing analytical data. An additional mobile lab is expected to arrive this week in LA.
Public Advisories - On 9/6, EPA and HHS issued an advisory cautioning the public and all responders about the possible hazards of flood waters due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous materials. On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings.
Flood Water Analysis - At a news conference with CDC on 9/7, Administrator Johnson released initial sampling results of New Orleans flood waters from six locations. Preliminary information indicates that counts for E. Coli in sampled areas greatly exceed EPA's recommended levels for contact. Also lead concentrations exceeded drinking water action levels which would be a concern if the flood water was a child's source of drinking water. Given these preliminary results, emergency response personnel and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. Collection of flood water samples began 9/3 in downtown New Orleans . Samples were shipped to a Houston lab and a local lab in Lafayette, LA for analysis. Daily sampling is ongoing.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater treatment facilities in LA, MS and AL. EPA estimates the number of wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 13 in AL, 114 in LA and 45 in MS.
Air Surveillance - EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/7, ASPECT conducted overflights of railroad yards. Current plans are being developed for using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys. These surveys will be conducted due to concerns over potential radiological sources from universities and hospitals. EPA and state officials continue to collect air quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-the-ground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New Orleans and surrounding area continue.
Incident Management Team - On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing of a second full Incident Management Team (IMT) began mobilization to LA. On 9/2 EPA deployed a 17 person IMT to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and manage EPA's field operations.
Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) - EPA has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and Jackson, MS to consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the hurricane.
Fuel Waivers - On 9/2, EPA granted a limited waiver from the reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond, VA, metropolitan area through 9/9. In consultation with DOE, we are closely monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for waivers in other areas. On 9/1, EPA granted Georgia 's request to waive its state sulfur requirement through 9/15 which required clean burning gasoline to be sold in the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel shortages across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA granted a nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15.
Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane.
Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged buildings.
Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The call center is anticipated to be operational on September 8th.
EPA Response Activity - September 7
At a news conference with CDC on 9/7, Administrator Johnson released initial sampling results of New Orleans flood waters from six locations. Preliminary information indicates that counts for E. Coli in sampled areas greatly exceed EPA's recommended levels for contact. Also lead concentrations exceeded drinking water action levels, which would be a concern if the flood water was a child's source of drinking water. Given these preliminary results, emergency response personnel and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. Collection of flood water samples began 9/3 in downtown New Orleans . Samples were shipped to a Houston lab and a local lab in Lafayette, LA for analysis. Daily sampling is ongoing.
Recovery - EPA search and rescue operations continue. Food and water were distributed and an additional 5 people were rescued. Approximately, 775 rescues have been made by EPA in LA. Sixty EPA water craft are currently available for rescue efforts.
Public Advisories - On 9/6, EPA and HHS issued an advisory cautioning the public and all responders about the possible hazards of flood waters due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous materials. On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings.
Water Assessment - EPA estimates the number of water systems affected by the hurricane is now 73 in AL, 555 in MS and 469 in LA. In AL, many water systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power. Five systems in AL currently have boil water advisories. EPA continues its assessment of damage to local drinking water systems in MS, and provides technical assistance to help restore safe drinking water to those systems. EPA sent two mobile laboratories to MS to assist the state Department of Public Health in drinking water analysis. The labs are expected to be operational on September 8, 2005 . Boil water notices have been issued to 404 water systems in MS. Samples from these systems will be analyzed for total fecal coliform bacteria before the systems restore service. EPA is assisting the LA Department of Health and Hospitals in assessing drinking water and will deploy 35 more EPA personnel to LA during this week. There are approximately 378 drinking water systems that are not in operation in LA with another 48 systems on a boil water notice. In LA, one EPA mobile lab is currently testing drinking water samples and providing analytical data. An additional mobile lab is expected to arrive this week in LA.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater treatment facilities in LA, MS and AL. EPA estimates the number of wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 13 in AL, 114 in LA and 45 in MS.
Air Surveillance - EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/4, a large oil spill was surveyed in Chalmette, LA (Murphy Oil). A 250,000 barrel tank containing 85,000 barrels of oil released beyond secondary containment and extended into a residential area. The company and its contractors are working with EPA and the Coast Guard to repair the storage tank, contain the oil and begin cleanup. EPA and state officials continue to collect air quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-the-ground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New Orleans and surrounding area continue.
Incident Management Team (IMT) - On 9/2 EPA deployed a 17 person Incident Management Team (IMT) to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and manage EPA's field operations. On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing of a second full IMT began mobilization to LA.
Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team - EPA has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and will deploy two CISM Team members to Jackson, MS on 9/7 to consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the hurricane.
Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane.
Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged buildings.
Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The call center is anticipated to be operational on September 8th.
EPA Response Activity - September 6
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are cautioning the public and all responders about the potential hazards associated with flood waters. Every effort should be made to limit contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous substances. EPA has collected and sent New Orleans flood water samples to labs in Lafayette, LA and Houston, TX for analysis. Daily sampling is ongoing, and test results are expected later this week.
Recovery - EPA search and rescue operations continue. Food and water were distributed and an additional 120 people were rescued. Approximately, 770 rescues have been made by EPA in LA. Sixty-five EPA watercraft are currently available for rescue efforts.
Public Advisory - On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings. The advisory was issued as a press release from EPA headquarters and regions 4 and 6.
Water Assessment - EPA estimates the number of water systems affected by the hurricane is now 73 in AL, 555 in MS and 469 in LA. In AL, many water systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power. Eight systems in AL currently have boil water advisories. EPA is continuing its assessment of damage to local drinking water systems in MS, and providing technical assistance to help restore safe drinking water to those systems. Boil water notices have been issued to 404 water systems in MS. Samples from these systems will be analyzed for total fecal coliform bacteria before the systems restore service. EPA is assisting the LA Department of Health and Hospitals in assessing drinking water and will deploy 30 more EPA personnel to LA during this week. There are approximately 378 drinking water systems that are not in operation in LA with another 48 systems on a boil water notice.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater treatment facilities in LA, MS and AL. EPA estimates the number of wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 13 in AL, 114 in LA and 85 in MS.
Air Surveillance - EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/4, a large oil spill was surveyed in Chalmette, LA (Murphy Oil). A 250,000 barrel tank containing 85,000 barrels of oil released beyond secondary containment and extended into a residential area. The company and its contractors are working with EPA and the Coast Guard to repair the storage tank, contain the oil and begin cleanup. EPA and state officials continue to collect air quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-the-ground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New Orleans and surrounding area continued via helicopter on 9/5.
Incident Management Team (IMT) - On 9/2 EPA deployed a 17 person Incident Management Team to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and manage EPA’s field operations. Deployment of a second full IMT to the LA area is being coordinated with anticipated mobilization on 9/6.
Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team - EPA has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and will deploy two CISM Team members to Jackson, MS on 9/7 to consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the hurricane.
Fuel Waivers - On 9/2, EPA granted a limited waiver from the reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond, VA, metropolitan area through 9/9. In consultation with the Department of Energy, we are closely monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for waivers in other areas. On 9/1, EPA granted Georgia ’s request to waive its state sulfur requirement through 9/15 which required clean burning gasoline to be sold in the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel shortages across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA granted a nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15.
Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane.
Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged buildings.
Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The call center is anticipated to be operational on September 8th.
EPA Response Activity - September 5
EPA has mobilized 12 environmental emergency response teams to provide assistance with overall search and recovery efforts and is conducting initial assessments of the environmental impacts including potential impacts from chemical facilities, oil refineries, and water treatment plants. Rapid needs assessment is being done to identify damage in New Orleans. EPA and state officials are compiling a comprehensive database of potential pollution sources in preparation for additional overflights and on-ground inspections in the coming weeks.
EPA search and rescue operations continue in the hurricane area. EPA has 65 boats providing support to local response efforts by moving supplies and conducting search and rescue missions. Yesterday, EPA search and rescue missions helped evacuate about 120 persons, bringing the total rescues made by EPA to 770. EPA also is helping distribute food and water.
EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft is being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On Sept. 4, the aircraft identified a large inland oil spill that resulted from a failed storage tank at the Murphy Oil Co. in Chamlette, La.. The company and its contractors are working with EPA and Coast Guard officials to repair the storage tank, contain the oil and begin cleanup. EPA and state officials continue to collect information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities in the hurricane area. On-the-ground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information during the upcoming weeks.
EPA planned more sampling today of flood waters in New Orleans. Samples already taken are being analyzed at labs in Houston and Lafayette, La. EPA has granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a waiver from water discharge permits to aid the Corps in pumping out hurricane flood waters.
EPA estimates that 1,223 drinking water systems have been affected by the hurricane; 72 in Alabama, 683 in Louisiana and 468 in Mississippi. Systems running on generators continue to need additional fuel to stay operational.
EPA is continuing its assessment of damage to local drinking water systems in Mississippi and providing technical assistance to help restore safe drinking water to those systems. EPA is sending a mobile laboratory to Mississippi to assist the state Department of Public Health in drinking water analysis. Boil-water notices have been issued to 468 water systems in Mississippi. Samples from these systems will be analyzed for total coliform bacteria before the systems restore service.
In Alabama, many water systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power. Most are again operational, although waiting for test results to ensure that the water has been restored to standards safe for public consumption. Eight systems in Alabama currently have boil-water advisories. EPA reminds residents in areas affected to follow the boil-water advisories in place.
EPA and the state of Louisiana are working to restore off-line drinking water systems. Over 30 EPA personnel are assisting the state in inspecting local drinking water systems. About 100 systems have restored their operations.
To alleviate fuel shortages, EPA has granted several fuel waivers in the wake of the hurricane. In consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, EPA also is closely monitoring gasoline supplies as it considers requests for waivers in other areas.
EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane. EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in disposal of household hazardous waste and building debris from storm-damaged buildings. EPA is urges the public to exercise caution when re-entering hurricane-damaged buildings and take precautions if household hazardous waste or asbestos-containing building materials are present.
EPA Response Activity - September 4
EPA today issued an advisory urging the public to exercise caution when re-entering hurricane-damaged buildings and take precautions if household hazardous waste or asbestos-containing building materials are present.
EPA search and rescue operations continue in the hurricane area. An additional 100 people were rescued by EPA yesterday. So far, EPA has rescued approximately 650 people in addition to distributing food and water.
EPA has mobilized 12 environmental emergency response teams to provide assistance with overall search and recovery efforts and is conducting initial assessments of the environmental impacts including potential impacts from chemical facilities, oil refineries, and water treatment plants. Rapid needs assessment is being done to identify damage in New Orleans . EPA and state officials are compiling a comprehensive database of potential pollution sources in preparation for additional overflights and on-ground inspections in the coming weeks.
EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft is being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On Sept. 3, the aircraft surveyed the smoke plume of a large fire in the New Orleans warehouse district. The survey did not reveal any contaminants of undue concern in the smoke.
EPA has collected six flood water samples in downtown New Orleans . The samples have been shipped to labs in Houston and Lafayette, La., for analysis. EPA has granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a waiver from water discharge permits to aid the Corps in pumping out hurricane flood waters.
EPA is assisting the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals in assessing drinking water and will deploy 45 more EPA personnel to Louisiana during the week of Sept. 5. EPA is providing assistance on water assessment to Mississippi at its emergency operations center and expects to assist with site assessments. EPA estimates the number of water systems affected by the hurricane is now 72 in Alabama, 683 in Louisiana and 466 in Mississippi . Systems running on generators will need additional fuel to stay operational. Two EPA mobile laboratories are being deployed to Louisiana to provide analytical services as drinking water service is restored to communities.
EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane. EPA will be assessing environmentally safe clearance standards for residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in disposal of household hazardous waste and building debris from storm-damaged buildings.
Caution Urged Dealing with Debris and When Re-entering Hurricane-Damaged Homes and Buildings - September 4
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal, state and local officials are urging individuals to use caution when returning to hurricane-damaged homes and buildings. EPA today issued an advisory to the public that provides general guidance to help address potential hazards in structures damaged by hurricane Katrina.
EPA urges the public to be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, like caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach, and take the following necessary precautions to prevent injury or further damage:
- Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals.
- Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers as this may produce dangerous or violent reactions.
- Do not dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers or toilets.
- Do not attempt to burn household chemicals.
- Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed of
- Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed whenever possible.
Individuals should exercise caution when disturbing building materials to prevent physical injury or other health effects. Building materials may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos that when carried by the air can be breathed in and cause adverse health effects. If it is suspected that asbestos containing materials may be present, they should not be disturbed. Asbestos containing materials include the following:
- boiler/pipe insulation
- fireproofing
- floor tiles
- asbestos roofing
- transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths
Federal, state and local personnel are being deployed to the hurricane-affected areas to establish debris-management programs, including household hazardous waste collection and disposal programs. These efforts may take days or weeks to come to all communities. In the meantime, EPA urges the public to exercise caution and report concerns to local environmental, health and waste disposal authorities.
For more information, the public can go to http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/regioniii/debris.shtm. Government officials can get information on managing hurricane debris at https://www.epa.gov/katrina/debris.html.