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Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.


Week 3: September 11 - September 17

EPA Regional Information

Map of the US showing EPA regions affected by Hurricane Katrina Region 4: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

EPA Region 4 (for Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi)
EPA Region 6 (for Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas)

Information by Louisiana parish

View all sampling results in both Regions | Download data

Most recent updates

Saturday, September 17

Friday, September 16

Thursday, September 15

Wednesday, September 14

Tuesday, September 13

Monday, September 12

Sunday, September 11


 

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.

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EPA Response Activity - September 16

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.

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.

Drinking Water Assessment- In the LA affected area, there are a total of 683 drinking water facilities that served approximately 2.8 million people. EPA has determined that 498 of these facilities are operational and meeting EPA standards, 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 and meeting EPA standards, 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 and meeting EPA standards, 1 is operating on a boil notice.

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. EPA has collected 20,934 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region.

Public Advisory - On 9/14, EPA released a public advisory warning of potential environmental health hazards when returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina.

Response to Oil Spills - There have been 5 major oil spills in the New Orleans area to date. EPA continues to assess the situations as it becomes aware. On 9/12, EPA sampling teams collected 3 sediment environmental samples and the Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus conducted air sampling at the Murphy oil spill area.

Air Surveillance - In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, 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.

Fuel Waivers - On 9/13, EPA issued a second, temporary waiver of highway diesel fuel sulfur requirements through 10/5 for states that continue to be affected by disruptions to the fuel production and distribution system caused by Hurricane Katrina. This action will allow diesel fuel normally used in off-road equipment to be used in highway vehicles in those impacted states. The states affected by the second waiver of highway diesel requirements are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and the District of Columbia. In addition, EPA waived the federal enforceability of the summer grade gasoline required under state law in California , Eastern Texas and Phoenix , AZ. On 8/31, EPA waived the federal requirement for summer grade gasoline nationwide. Under normal circumstances that requirement ends in all parts of the country on 9/15, except for the three areas mentioned above which, under state laws, extend the requirement until 9/30 (Phoenix), 10/1 (Texas) and 10/1 (California). The three states have requested that EPA waive federal enforceability of these requirements.

Air Monitoring - 2 EPA Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) buses continue to perform air monitoring in New Orleans area.

Flood Water Analysis - On 9/14, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, EPA posted flood water sampling data for chemicals from 9/4 and 9/6. The data has been reviewed and validated through a quality assurance process to ensure scientific accuracy. Hexavalent chromium and arsenic, in addition to lead which was previously detected on 9/3, were detected in the water. Arsenic and lead were found at levels which exceeded EPA drinking water standards. These compounds would pose a risk to children only if a child were to drink a liter of flood water a day. Long-term exposure (a year or longer) to arsenic would be required before health effects would be expected to occur. Thallium was detected at one sampling location and while levels are slightly elevated, they are 10 times lower than levels at which there would be a health effect.

 The 9/5 data is currently undergoing review and validation. The data will be released once this process is complete.

Flood water sampling data for biological pathogens from 9/6-10 have also been posted for public review. E. coli levels are still greatly elevated and remain much higher than EPA’s recommended levels for contact. The public and emergency responders should continue to avoid contact with flood water when possible. If contact occurs, EPA strongly advises the use of soap and water to clean areas if available.

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 5 th 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.

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EPA Response Activity - September 15

Sediment Sampling: EPA is collecting sediment samples in New Orleans . Initial results are expected to be released this week.

Public Advisory - On 9/14, EPA released a public advisory warning of potential environmental health hazards when returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina.

Fuel Waivers - On 9/13, EPA issued a second, temporary waiver of highway diesel fuel sulfur requirements through 10/5 for states that continue to be affected by disruptions to the fuel production and distribution system caused by Hurricane Katrina. This action will allow diesel fuel normally used in off-road equipment to be used in highway vehicles in those impacted states. The states affected by the second waiver of highway diesel requirements are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and the District of Columbia. In addition, EPA waived the federal enforceability of the summer grade gasoline required under state law in California , Eastern Texas and Phoenix , AZ. On 8/31, EPA waived the federal requirement for summer grade gasoline nationwide. Under normal circumstances that requirement ends in all parts of the country on 9/15, except for the three areas mentioned above which, under state laws, extend the requirement until 9/30 (Phoenix), 10/1 (Texas) and 10/1 (California). The three states have requested that EPA waive federal enforceability of these requirements.

Response to Oil Spills- There have been 5 major oil spills in the New Orleans area to date. EPA continues to assess the situations as it becomes aware. On 9/12, EPA sampling teams collected 3 sediment environmental samples and the Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus conducted air sampling at the Murphy oil spill area.

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. EPA has collected a total of 17,547 HHW/orphan containers in Region 6 and 2,739 HHW/orphan containers in Region 4.

 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 boil water notices. In Louisiana , EPA sent teams to conduct drinking water assessments and provide technical assistance. Teams reassessed 60 systems to determine extent of repairs. To date, they have conducted 28 drinking water assessments and provided technical assistance at 14 public water systems; a total of 476 systems have been logged for tracking purposes. In MS and AL, EPA is providing technical assistance to states and localities as well as conducting resource needs analyses. The total number of systems that remain under a boil water advisory, are not operating, or are awaiting further information is estimated to be: 1 in AL, 321 in MS, and 281 in southeastern in LA. EPA has 2 mobile laboratories in MS and 2 in LA.

Air Surveillance - In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, 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. On 9/14, the results were posted on the website.

Air Monitoring - 2 EPA Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) buses continue to perform air monitoring in New Orleans area.

Flood Water Analysis - On 9/14, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, EPA posted flood water sampling data for chemicals from 9/4-6. The data has been reviewed and validated through a quality assurance process to ensure scientific accuracy. Hexavalent chromium and arsenic, in addition to lead which was previously detected on 9/3, were detected in the water. Arsenic and lead were found at levels which exceeded EPA drinking water standards. These compounds would pose a risk to children only if a child were to drink a liter of flood water a day. Long-term exposure (a year or longer) to arsenic would be required before health effects would be expected to occur. Thallium was detected at one sampling location and while levels are slightly elevated, they are 10 times lower than levels at which there would be a health effect. Editor’s Note: Due to a programming error, sampling test results for September 6 contained two inaccuracies. Values of arsenic and hexavalent chromium were displayed three orders of magnitude lower than the actual results. At one site, for instance, the value for arsenic was shown as 0.013 micrograms/liter when it actually was 13.0 micrograms/liter. The safe drinking water level for arsenic is 10 micrograms/liter. With respect to hexavalent chromium, the value of 0.015 micrograms/liter was originally displayed, when in fact the correct value should have been 15 micrograms/liter. This level is below the safe drinking water level of 100 micrograms/liter.

The 9/5 data is currently undergoing review and validation. The data will be released once this process is complete.

Flood water sampling data for biological pathogens from 9/6-10 have also been posted for public review. E. coli levels are still greatly elevated and remain much higher than EPA’s recommended levels for contact. The public and emergency responders should continue to avoid contact with flood water when possible. If contact occurs, EPA strongly advises the use of soap and water to clean areas if available.

Superfund Sites: On 9/13, EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) sent teams to conduct in-depth reconnaissance at the four accessible National Priority list sites. EPA will do an overflight assessment of the 5 th site, since it is currently under water. EPA also plans assessment of three Superfund sites that are not on the National Priorities List site.

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EPA Response Activity - September 14

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, under the National Response Plan, EPA serves as the primary agency for coordinating the federal response to releases of oil and hazardous materials. Our national and regional Emergency Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day.

Public Advisory - On 9/14, EPA released a public advisory warning of potential environmental health hazards when returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina.

Response to Releases -- To date, EPA and Coast Guard have jointly received 396 notifications from the National Response Center (NRC) of potential oil and hazardous substance releases. The NRC has a searchable database to look up reports by city, state, and date. The Web site is www.nrc.uscg.mil. The breakdown by state is:
Alabama - 36
Louisiana - 332
Mississippi - 28

However, EPA is not waiting for facilities to report incidents. Instead, the Agency is proactively sending out teams and performing overflights. More than 282 emergency responses for hazardous materials releases have been conducted by EPA and Coast Guard in Region 4. Thus far, 605 sites have been assessed and 164 response actions have been taken in Region 6.

Response to Oil Spills -- There have been 5 major oil spills in the New Orleans area to date. EPA continues to assess the situations as it becomes aware. On 9/12, EPA sampling teams collected 3 sediment environmental samples and the Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus conducted air sampling at the Murphy oil spill area.

Debris Assessment and Collection -- EPA teams continue collection of household hazardous wastes 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. EPA has recovered more than 4000 orphan containers, including 4 chlorine tanks.

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. In Louisiana, EPA sent teams to conduct drinking water assessments and provide technical assistance. To date, they have conducted 28 drinking water assessments and provided technical assistance at 14 public water systems. A total of 476 systems have been logged to date. In Mississippi and Alabama, EPA is providing technical assistance to states and localities as well as conducting resource needs analyses. The total number of systems that remain under a boil water advisory, are not operating, or are awaiting further information is estimated to be: 1 in AL, 391 in MS, and 281 in southeastern in LA. EPA has 2 mobile laboratories in MS and 2 in LA.

Air Surveillance - In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, EPA's airplane ASPECT has flown 15 flights to obtain environmental screening data. These compounds 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. On 9/14, the results were posted on the Web site.

Flood Water Analysis -- On 9/14, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, EPA posted flood water sampling data for chemicals from 9/4-6. The data has been reviewed and validated through a quality assurance process to ensure scientific accuracy. Hexavalent chromium and arsenic, in addition to lead which was previously detected on 9/3, were detected at levels which exceeded EPA drinking water standards. These compounds would pose a risk to children only if a child were to drink a liter of flood water a day. Long-term exposure (a year or longer) to arsenic would be required before health effects would be expected to occur. Thallium was detected at one sampling location and while levels are slightly elevated, they are 10 times lower than levels at which there would be a health effect.

The 9/5 data is currently undergoing review and validation. The data will be released once this process is complete.

Flood water sampling data for biological pathogens from 9/6-10 have also been posted for public review. E. coli levels are still greatly elevated and remain much higher than EPA’s recommended levels for contact. The public and emergency responders should continue to avoid contact with flood water when possible. If contact occurs, EPA strongly advises the use of soap and water to clean areas if available.

Superfund Sites: On 9/13, EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) sent teams to conduct in-depth reconnaissance at the four accessible National Priority list sites in New Orleans. EPA will do an overflight assessment of the 5th site, since it is currently under water. EPA also plans assessment of three sites on the Non National Priorities List.

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EPA Response Activity - September 13

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, under the NRP, EPA serves as the primary agency for coordinating the federal response to releases of oil and hazardous materials. Our national and regional Emergency Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day.

Superfund Sites -- On 9/13, EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) plan to send teams to conduct in-depth reconnaissance at the four accessible National Priorities List sites which are Madisonville Creosote Works, Delatte Metals, Southern Ship, and Bayou Bonfouca. EPA will do over-flight assessment of the fifth site (Agriculture Street) since it is still underwater. It is unknown when the water will be pumped from the Agriculture Street site.

Flood Water Analysis -- On 9/12 an additional 4 water samples were collected in East Orleans Parish, and 14 water samples were collected from 11 outfall locations in New Orleans. In addition, 25 sediment samples were collected from 21 locations in Orleans and St. Bernard Parish. On 9/9-9/11, EPA, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, posted data from New Orleans flood water samples of chemical and biological analysis which was 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 release data as it becomes available.

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 were 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 1 in AL, 391 in MS, and 517 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. No problems reported for wastewater systems in AL.

Air Surveillance - EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) continues to be used to assess spills and chemical releases. Current plans are being developed for using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys, if necessary.

Air Monitoring - Initial air screening is being performed by the EPA Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) buses. Two TAGA buses were deployed to New Orleans, LA.

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 - EPA teams continue collection of household hazardous wastes 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. 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.

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EPA Response Activity - September 12

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.

Flood Water Analysis -- On 9/9-9/11, EPA, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, posted data from New Orleans flood water samples of chemical and biological analysis which was 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 release data as it becomes available. On 9/7, Administrator Johnson released preliminary 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 were 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 1 in AL, 390 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) continues to be used to assess spills and chemical releases. Current plans are being developed for using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys, if necessary.

Air Monitoring - Initial air screening is being performed by the EPA Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) buses. Two TAGA buses were deployed and arrived in the area on 9/11.

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 9/11, EPA began 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.

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EPA Response Activity - September 11

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 1 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. There are plans being developed for using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys if proven necessary.

Air Monitoring - Initial air screening will be performed by the EPA Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) buses.

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.

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