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


Week 5: September 25 - October 1

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, October 1

Friday, September 30

Thursday, September 29

Wednesday, September 28

Tuesday, September 27

Monday, September 26

Sunday, September 25


EPA Response Activity - October 1

Fuel Waivers – On 9/30, EPA issued the following fuel waivers for certain diesel and gasoline requirements for affected areas across the country to minimize or prevent fuel supply disruptions resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Sampling – On 9/30, sampling continued on flood, outfall, and surface water, and sediment in the New Orleans area. EPA's soil/sediment sampling in affected areas along the Gulf Coast is scheduled to begin 10/3. EPA's ocean water testing vessel, the Bold, is surveying the waters of the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico in the plume of the Mississippi River.

Mobile Labs – EPA has two bacteriological analyses mobile labs to test drinking water in Louisiana, and one in Gulfport, MS.

Air Screening Data – On 9/30, EPA posted ASPECT air screening data from flyovers conducted on 9/25 to assess chemical and petroleum facilities near Beaumont and Freeport, TX. Sampling efforts resulted in chemicals detected at or below the instrument's ability to accurately detect the chemicals and these results do not demonstrate an immediate health effect to the public. Results can be viewed at https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/air/aspect.html

National Priorities List – EPA teams continue to assess National Priorities List (NPL) sites in the area affected by Rita. Twenty seven of the 28 TX sites have been assessed. Five NPL sites will be assessed in Louisiana. There are 15* NPL sites in the hurricane Katrina-affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. Initial assessments have been conducted on these sites. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites. Water and sediment samples have been collected at the Agriculture Street site.

*In previous updates, one additional "NPL Equivalent" site was included in the Louisiana NPL total.

Drinking Water Assessment -- In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 9/30, EPA has determined that 378 of these facilities are operational, 80 are operating on a boil water notice, 32 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 1101 (most of these facilities are in unaffected areas). In MS, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,253 of these facilities are operational, 79 are operating on a boil water notice and 36 are inoperable. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA's Water program is continuing to assess all drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In the LA affected area, there are a total of 173 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/29, EPA has determined that 140 of these facilities are operational and 33 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 118 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 of these facilities are operational and 4 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the AL affected area, 7 facilities are operating and 1 is not operating. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA's Water program continues to assess wastewater treatment plants in the affected area.

Debris Assessment and Collection – Collection activities continue for household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. 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 9/30, EPA has collected over 50,000 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Collection sites are in place in LA, MS, and AL. The draft Debris Removal Plans for LA, AL, and MS, are in final review. The plans will enable Federal agencies and the states to comprehensively manage large scale and complex debris.

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EPA Response Activity - September 30

Air Screening Data - EPA posted ASPECT air screening data from flyovers conducted on 9/25 to assess chemical and petroleum facilities near Beaumont and Freeport, TX. Sampling efforts resulted in chemicals detected at or below the instrument's ability to accurately detect the chemicals and these results do not demonstrate an immediate health effect to the public. Results can be viewed at https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/air/aspect.html

Mobile Labs – EPA has set up two bacteriological analyses mobile labs to test drinking water in Louisiana.

Sampling – On 9/29, sampling continued on sediment and outfall and surface water in New Orleans. EPA also sampled water in the Back Bay of Biloxi, MS. EPA’s soil/sediment sampling in affected areas along the Gulf Coast is now scheduled to begin 10/3.

National Priorities List – EPA teams continue to assess National Priorities List (NPL) sites in the area affected by Rita. Twenty seven of the 28 TX sites have been assessed. Five NPL sites will be assessed in Louisiana. There are 15* NPL sites in the hurricane Katrina-affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. Initial assessments have been conducted on these sites. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites. Water and sediment samples have been collected at the Agriculture Street site.

*In previous updates, one additional “NPL Equivalent” site was included in the Louisiana NPL total.

Fuel Waivers – On 9/27, EPA issued waivers for certain diesel and gasoline requirements for affected areas across the country to minimize or prevent fuel supply disruptions resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These waivers will help address fuel supply problems by increasing the types of fuel that can be sold in those areas:

EPA and the Department of Energy will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with state and local governments to evaluate and respond to changing circumstances.

Drinking Water Assessment -- In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 9/29, EPA has determined that 378 of these facilities are operational, 80 are operating on a boil water notice, 32 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 1101 (most of these facilities are in unaffected areas). In MS, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,253 of these facilities are operational, 79 are operating on a boil water notice and 36 are inoperable. MS has contacted all facilities to verify status. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is continuing to assess all drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In the LA affected area, there are a total of 173 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/29, EPA has determined that 140 of these facilities are operational and 33 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 118 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 of these facilities are operational and 4 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the AL affected area, 7 facilities are operating and 1 is not operating. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program continues to assess wastewater treatment plants in the affected area.

Debris Assessment and Collection – Collection activities continue for household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. 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 9/29, EPA has collected over 47,000 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Collection sites are in place in LA, MS, and AL. The draft Debris Removal Plans for LA, AL, and MS, are in final review. The plans will enable Federal agencies and the states to comprehensively manage large scale and complex debris.

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EPA Response Activity - September 29

Fuel Waivers – On 9/27, EPA issued waivers for certain diesel and gasoline requirements for affected areas across the country to minimize or prevent fuel supply disruptions resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These waivers will help address fuel supply problems by increasing the types of fuel that can be sold in those areas:
• EPA granted a second waiver to allow conventional gasoline (CG) to be distributed to terminals for the Houston-Galveston reformulated gasoline (RFG) covered area and Dallas-Fort Worth RFG area through midnight on 10/20. Also, EPA waived the low emission diesel requirements in the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP), consistent with a state waiver of its standards, delaying the start of the program for 20 days, until 10/21.
• EPA granted a fourth waiver to allow CG to be distributed to terminals for the Richmond, Va. RFG covered area through midnight on 10/20.
• EPA granted a waiver to allow CG to be distributed to terminals for the St. Louis RFG covered area through midnight on 10/7.
• EPA issued a second waiver of the low sulfur requirements in the Georgia State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Atlanta area for gasoline produced through midnight on 10/25.
• EPA issued a second waiver of the gasoline REID vapor pressure (RVP) requirements in the California State Implementation Plan (SIP) for gasoline produced through midnight on 10/24.
EPA and the Department of Energy will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with state and local governments to evaluate and respond to changing circumstances.

Sampling – On 9/30, sampling of soil/sediment is expected to begin in affected areas along the Gulf coast. On 9/28, sampling continued on sediment, air, and water (flood, outfall, and surface) in New Orleans.

National Priorities List – EPA teams continue to assess National Priorities List (NPL) sites in the area affected by Rita. Twenty one of the 28 TX sites have been assessed. Five NPL sites will be assessed in Louisiana. There are 15* NPL sites in the hurricane Katrina-affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. Initial assessments have been conducted on these sites. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites. On 9/26, a team collected one surface water sample from the Florida Canal near the Agriculture Street site in New Orleans, and on 9/25, one sample from the People’s Canal near the site.

*In previous updates, one additional “NPL Equivalent” site was included in the Louisiana NPL total.

Chemical and Petroleum - No large environmental incidents from Rita were identified in Texas that need to be addressed by EPA at this time. EPA is examining existing damage in western Louisiana parishes and the possible need for EPA assets in these areas.

Drinking Water Assessment -- In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 9/28, EPA has determined that 294 of these facilities are operational, 30 are operating on a boil water notice, 25 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 1272 (most of these facilities are in unaffected areas). In MS, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,250 of these facilities are operational, 81 are operating on a boil water notice and 37 are inoperable. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is continuing to assess all drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In the LA affected area, there are a total of 173 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/28, EPA has determined that 124 of these facilities are operational and 49 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 118 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 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 have operational difficulties. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program continues to assess wastewater treatment plants in the affected area.

Debris Assessment and Collection – Collection activities are resuming following Rita for household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. In addition, EPA personnel will continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. As of 9/29, EPA has collected over 45,000 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Four collection sites have been put into place for collection of these wastes in MS and AL and one collection site has been located in St.Tammany Parish, LA. The draft Debris Removal Plans for LA, AL, and MS, are in final review. The plan will enable Federal agencies and the states to comprehensively manage large scale and complex debris.

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EPA Response Activity - September 28

Sampling – On 9/27, sampling continued on sediment and water (flood, outfall, and surface) in New Orleans.

Air Monitoring – On 9/27, air monitoring and sampling equipment was prepared for deployment to stations in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Superfund Sites – EPA teams continue to assess National Priorities List (NPL) sites in the area affected by Rita. Eight of the 28 TX sites have been assessed. Five NPL sites will be assessed in Louisiana. There are 15* NPL sites in the hurricane Katrina-affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. Initial assessments have been conducted on these sites. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites. On 9/26, a team collected one surface water sample from the Florida Canal near the Agriculture Street site in New Orleans, and on 9/25, one sample from the People’s Canal near the site.

*In previous updates, one additional “NPL Equivalent” site was included in the Louisiana NPL total.

Chemical and Petroleum – No large environmental incidents from Rita were identified in Texas that need to be addressed by EPA at this time. EPA is examining existing damage in western Louisiana parishes and the possible need for EPA assets in these areas.

Drinking Water Assessment – In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 9/27, EPA has determined that 264 of these facilities are operational, 30 are operating on a boil water notice, 25 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 1272 (most of these facilities are in unaffected areas). In MS, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,250 of these facilities are operational, 81 are operating on a boil water notice and 37 are either inoperable or their status is unknown. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is continuing to assess all drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater – -- In the LA affected area, there are a total of 122 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/27, EPA has determined that 87 of these facilities are operational and 35 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 118 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 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. EPA’s Water program continues to assess wastewater treatment plants in the affected area.

Debris Assessment and Collection – Collection activities are resuming following Rita for household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. In addition, EPA personnel will continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. As of 9/22, EPA has collected over 37,550 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Four collection sites have been put into place for collection of these wastes in MS and AL and one collection site has been located in St.Tammany Parish, LA. The draft Debris Removal Plans for LA, AL, and MS, are in final review. The plan will enable Federal agencies and the states to comprehensively manage funding for large-scale and complex debris.

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EPA Response Activity - September 27

Air Monitoring – On 9/26, EPA’s flying laboratory, ASPECT, conducted flights in the Lake Charles area. EPA’s two TAGA buses are being used to collect screening level air data in multiple locations throughout New Orleans.

Public Outreach – EPA has translated several documents, including press releases, news briefs, public safety advisories, and water safety information, into Spanish to assist individuals in the affected areas. Additionally, FEMA requested EPA and other federal agencies, to provide a recorded message of information for broadcast over XM radio and TV to the evacuee shelters. EPA senior personnel are doing the interviews.

Superfund Sites – EPA teams are preparing to travel to all National Priorities List (NPL) sites in areas affected by Hurricane Rita. There are 16 NPL sites in the hurricane Katrina-affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. 16 of the sites in LA have had initial assessments. Initial Rapid Assessments have been made on the 9 sites in AL and MS. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites. On 9/26, a team collected one surface water sample from the Florida Canal near the Agriculture Street site in New Orleans, and on 9/25, one sample from the People’s Canal near the site.

Chemical and Petroleum – No large environmental incidents from Rita were identified in Texas that need to be addressed by EPA at this time. EPA is examining existing damage in western Louisiana parishes and the possible need for EPA assets in these areas.

Drinking Water Assessment – In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 9/26, EPA has determined that 264 of these facilities are operational, 30 are operating on a boil water notice, 25 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 1272. 1n MS, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,247 of these facilities are operational, 83 are operating on a boil water notice and 38 are either inoperable or their status is unknown. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is continuing to assess all drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater – In the LA affected area, there are a total of 122 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/26, EPA has determined that 87 of these facilities are operational and 35 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 117 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 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. EPA issued an emergency Administrative Order to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to temporarily allow discharges from the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Mississippi as a result of Katrina. This effort was coordinated with LDEQ. EPA has developed a set of questions and answers that will assist in responding to inquiries. Discussions among agencies represented at the Joint Field Office are ongoing to determine when to stop pumping water out of New Orleans into Lake Pontchartrain. EPA personnel are reviewing historic water quality and current conditions obtained from environmental sampling. EPA’s Water program continues to assess wastewater treatment plants in the affected area.

Debris Assessment and Collection – Collection activities are resuming following Rita for household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. In addition, EPA personnel will continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. As of 9/22, EPA has collected over 37,550 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Four collection sites have been put into place for collection of these wastes in MS and AL and one collection site has been located in St.Tammany Parish, LA. The draft Debris Removal Plan for LA, AL, and MS, is in final review. The plan will enable Federal agencies and the states to comprehensively manage funding for large scale and complex debris.

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EPA Response Activity - September 26

Katrina-specific Response – On 9/26, EPA operations resumed on a limited scale in New Orleans. Flood water and sediment sampling continued.

Rita-specific Response

Personnel – EPA has deployed three EPA response personnel and four contractors to the Regional Response Coordination Center in Austin, TX. The pre-deployment team is co-located with other federal and state personnel. An EPA Incident Management Team consisting of 18 EPA personnel is staged in Dallas, TX and will deploy to Northwest Houston on 9/26. Additional response and contract personnel are standing by and will be brought to the scene once an initial needs assessment is complete.

Chemical and Petroleum – The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and EPA contacted chemical and refinery industry along the hurricane's path prior to the storm concerning their plans to secure and shut-down their plants. The Risk Management Program (RMP) under the Clean Air Act requires facilities to develop an emergency plan and coordinate their activities with local officials. Additional measures are being taken for any necessary response actions at chemical and petroleum facilities. EPA is mapping the facilities and sites impacted by Hurricane Rita. These maps will be used to conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment. EPA and EPA contractor staff are part of a 35 person Rapid Needs Assessment Team that includes Federal, state, and local members. EPA will focus on oil and hazardous material facilities and possible spill impact. EPA has also listed these facilities in the Agency's Rapid Assessment Integrated Database (RAID) which prioritizes targets for the reconnaissance phase of the response. Chemical products stored at the larger facilities to assist responders are also being identified.

Superfund and Hazardous Waste Sites – EPA is mapping Superfund hazardous waste sites impacted by Hurricane Rita. Ten EPA/state teams are preparing to travel to all National Priorities List sties in areas affected by Hurricane Rita. Sites will be inspected in priority order, with all sites inspected within seven to ten days.

Overall Hurricane Response

Public Outreach – EPA has translated several documents, including press releases, news briefs, public safety advisories, and water safety information, into Spanish and Vietnamese to assist individuals in the affected areas. Additionally, FEMA requested EPA, and other federal agencies, provide a recorded message of information for broadcast over XM radio and TV to the evacuee shelters. EPA senior personnel are doing the interviews.

Air Monitoring – On 9/23, EPA in coordination with LDEQ released results of air screening samples collected from multiple locations across New Orleans on 9/11 and 13-19. The screening samples show particle pollution at levels considered moderate or "code yellow" under the coarse particle AQI on September 13, 14, 18 and 19. At these levels, unusually sensitive people should consider not engaging in vigorous exercise. More information is available at: http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=particle.cover 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 quality based on results from this snapshot of data.

EPA is conducting air sampling via several assets. The ASPECT airplane flew over Port Arthur, Orange and Beaumont areas on 9/24 where a number of heavy industrial petrochemical facilities are located. Preliminary analysis of the screening data from these flights is expected this week. EPA's ASPECT aircraft has done 15 flights to date. EPA's two TAGA buses are being used to collect screening level air data in multiple locations throughout New Orleans. Data from air samples taken 9/12-9/18 is posted.

Hurricane-Related Fuel Waivers - In the continued effort to minimize potential fuel supply disruptions on 9/22 EPA expanded the waiver to allow conventional gasoline (CG) to be sold and distributed in the Houston-Galveston reformulated gasoline (RFG) covered area to cover the Dallas-Fort Worth RFG area through midnight on September 30. The State of Texas is preparing a request for a 30-day waiver for each of the phased-in implementation dates for the Texas Low Emission Diesel Program. The new dates, based on the request, would be October 31 for producers and importers, December 15 for terminals and distributors, and January 31, 2006 for retail. In a related action, EPA granted a third waiver to extend the 9/9 waiver to allow regulated parties to distribute and sell CG in the Richmond, Virginia RFG covered area through midnight on 9/30. Retail outlets and wholesale purchaser-consumers will be allowed to continue selling or dispensing this fuel after 9/30, until their supplies are depleted. More information is available at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/katrina/waiver/index.html.

Public Information – On 9/19, EPA posted on its Web site an extensive list of questions and answers regarding flood water, drinking water, wastewater, human health, air issues, sediment, oil spills and superfund sites, asbestos, debris, and fuel waivers. https://www.epa.gov/katrina/faqs.htm Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals publicized its boil notice for water systems affected by Hurricane Rita system affected by Hurricane Rita in a news release on 9/23/05. EPA assisted by distribution the news release in both Louisiana and East Texas.

Sediment Sampling – On 9/22, EPA posted analytical results of sediment sampling from New Orleans. On 9/16 based on the initial results of this data, EPA 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 and Prevention strongly advise the use of soap and water, if available, to clean the exposed areas, and removal of contaminated clothing.

EPA-CDC Report – EPA and CDC formed a joint task force to advise local and state officials of the potential health and environmental risks associated with returning to the City of New Orleans. The initial Environmental Health Needs & Habitability Assessment issued 9/17 identifies a number of barriers to be overcome and critical decisions to be made prior to re-inhabiting New Orleans. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/katrina/reports/envneeds_hab_assessment.html

Debris Assessment and Collection – Collection activities are resuming following Rita for household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. In addition, EPA personnel will continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. As of 9/22, EPA has collected over 37,550 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Four collection sites have been put into place for collection of these wastes in MS and AL and one collection site has been located in St. Tammany Parish, LA. The draft Debris Removal Plan is in final review. The plan will enable Federal agencies and the State of Louisiana to comprehensively manage funding for large scale and complex debris.

Superfund Sites – There are 16 NPL sites in the hurricane Katrina affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. 16 of the sites in LA have had initial assessments. Initial Rapid Assessments have been made on the 9 sites in AL and MS. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites. Teams are ready to go to sample all affected NPL sites (both Katrina and Rita). On 9/25, a team collected one surface water sample from the People’s Canal at the Agriculture Street site.

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 9/25, EPA has determined that 548 of these facilities are operational, 17 are operating on a boil water notice and 118 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 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,228 of these facilities are operational, 100 are operating on a boil water notice and 40 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 all 72 of these facilities are operational. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA's Water program is preparing to assess all drinking water plants after Hurricane Rita passes through.

Wastewater – In the LA affected area, there are a total of 122 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/22, EPA has determined that 87 of these facilities are operational and 35 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 118 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 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. EPA issued an emergency Administrative Order to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to temporarily allow discharges from the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Mississippi as a result of Katrina. This effort was coordinated with LDEQ. EPA has developed a set of questions and answers that will assist in responding to inquiries. Discussions among agencies represented at the Joint Field Office are ongoing to determine when to stop pumping water out of New Orleans into Lake Pontchatrain. EPA personnel are reviewing historic water quality and current conditions obtained from environmental sampling. EPA’s Water program is preparing to assess all wastewater treatment plans.

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EPA Response Activity - September 25

Rita-specific Response

Personnel - EPA has deployed three EPA response personnel and four contractors to the Regional Response Coordination Center in Austin, Texas. The pre-deployment team is co-located with other federal and state personnel. An EPA Incident Management Team consisting of 18 EPA personnel is staged in Dallas, Texas and will deploy to Northwest Houston on 9/26. Additional response and contract personnel are standing by and will be brought to the scene once an initial needs assessment is complete.

Chemical and Petroleum - The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and EPA contacted chemical and refinery industry along the hurricane's path prior to the storm concerning their plans to secure and shut-down their plants. The Risk Management Program (RMP) under the Clean Air Act requires facilities to develop an emergency plan and coordinate their activities with local officials. Additional measures are being taken for any necessary response actions at chemical and petroleum facilities. EPA is mapping the facilities and sites impacted by Hurricane Rita. These maps will be used to conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment. EPA and EPA contractor staff are part of a 35 person Rapid Needs Assessment Team that includes Federal, state, and local members. EPA will focus on oil and hazardous material facilities and possible spill impact. EPA has also listed these facilities in the Agency’s Rapid Assessment Integrated Database (RAID) which prioritizes targets for the reconnaissance phase of the response. Chemical products stored at the larger facilities to assist responders are also being identified.

Superfund and Hazardous Waste Sites - EPA is mapping Superfund hazardous waste sites impacted by Hurricane Rita. Ten EPA/State teams are preparing to travel to all National Priorities List sties in areas affected by Hurricane Rita. Sites will be inspected in priority order, with all sites inspected within seven to ten days.

Overall Hurricane Response

Public Outreach – EPA has translated several documents, including press releases, news briefs, public safety advisories, and water safety information, into Spanish and Vietnamese to assist individuals in the affected areas. Additionally, FEMA requested EPA, and other federal agencies, provide a recorded message of information for broadcast over XM radio and TV to the evacuee shelters. EPA senior personnel are doing the interviews.

Gulf/Mississippi Water Sampling – EPA’s ocean water testing vessel, the Bold, is scheduled for a 9/26 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 Monitoring -- On 9/23, EPA in coordination with LDEQ released results of air screening samples collected from multiple locations across New Orleans on 9/11 and 13-19. The screening samples show particle pollution at levels considered moderate or "code yellow" under the coarse particle AQI on September 13, 14, 18 and 19. At these levels, unusually sensitive people should consider not engaging in vigorous exercise. More information is available at: http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=particle.cover 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 quality based on results from this snapshot of data.

An EPA helicopter and an Air Force plane with air monitoring (ASPECT-like) technology are positioned in New Orleans and Texas to conduct over-flight assessments once weather permits. EPA is conducting air sampling needs via several assets. The ASPECT airplane flew over Port Arthur, Orange and Beaumont areas on 9/24 where a number of heavy industrial petrochemical facilities are located. Preliminary analysis of the screening data from these flights is expected this week. EPA’s ASPECT aircraft has done 15 flights to date. EPA’s two TAGA buses are being used to collect screening level air data in multiple locations throughout New Orleans. Data from air samples taken 9/12-9/18 is posted.

Hurricane-Related Fuel Waivers - In the continued effort to minimize potential fuel supply disruptions on 9/22 EPA expanded the waiver to allow conventional gasoline (CG) to be sold and distributed in the Houston-Galveston reformulated gasoline (RFG) covered area to cover the Dallas-Fort Worth RFG area through midnight on September 30. The State of Texas is preparing a request for a 30 day waiver for each of the phased-in implementation dates for the Texas Low Emission Diesel Program. The new dates, based on the request, would be October 30 for producers and importers, December 15 for terminals and distributors, and January 30, 2006 for retail. In a related action, EPA granted a third waiver to extend the 9/9 waiver to allow regulated parties to distribute and sell CG in the Richmond, Virginia RFG covered area through midnight on 9/30. Retail outlets and wholesale purchaser-consumers will be allowed to continue selling or dispensing this fuel after 9/30, until their supplies are depleted. More information is available at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/katrina/waiver/index.html.

Public Information -- On 9/19, EPA posted on its Web site an extensive list of questions and answers regarding flood water, drinking water, wastewater, human health, air issues, sediment, oil spills and superfund sites, asbestos, debris, and fuel waivers. https://www.epa.gov/katrina/faqs.htm Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals publicized its boil notice for water systems affected by Hurricane Rita system affected by Hurricane Rita in a news release on 9/23/05. EPA assisted by distribution the news release in both Louisiana and East Texas.

Sediment Sampling – On 9/22, EPA posted analytical results of sediment sampling from New Orleans. On 9/16 based on the initial results of this data, EPA 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 and Prevention strongly advise the use of soap and water, if available, to clean the exposed areas, and removal of contaminated clothing.

EPA-CDC Report -- EPA and CDC formed a joint task force to advise local and state officials of the potential health and environmental risks associated with returning to the City of New Orleans. The initial Environmental Health Needs & Habitability Assessment issued 9/17 identifies a number of barriers to be overcome and critical decisions to be made prior to re-inhabiting New Orleans. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/katrina/reports/envneeds_hab_assessment.html

Debris Assessment and Collection -- All field activities have been on stand down due to Hurricane Rita. Activity will resume in the Tammany Parish. EPA is conducting air monitoring at debris burn sites in Louisiana. EPA teams continue collection of household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. 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 9/22, EPA has collected over 37,550 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Four collection sites have been put into place for collection of these wastes in MS and AL and one collection site has been located in St. Tammany Parish, LA. The draft Debris Removal Plan is in final review. The plan will enable Federal agencies and the State of Louisiana to comprehensively manage funding for large scale and complex debris.

Superfund Sites - There are 16 NPL sites in the hurricane Katrina affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. 16 of the sites in LA have had initial assessments. Initial Rapid Assessments have been made on the 9 sites in AL and MS. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites. Teams are ready to go to sample all affected NPL sites (both Katrina and Rita). EPA plans to sample the Agriculture Street Landfill site on Sunday, weather conditions permitting.

Rapid Needs Assessment-Katrina --EPA and LDEQ are coordinating to develop schedules on how to look at NPL sites, including the Malone Services and Jasper Creosote sites. The schedule is to be completed by end of day Sunday, 9/25.

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 9/22, EPA has determined that 534 of these facilities are operational, 19 are operating on a boil water notice and 130 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 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,228 of these facilities are operational, 100 are operating on a boil water notice and 40 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 all 72 of these facilities are operational. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is preparing to assess all drinking water plants after Hurricane Rita passes through.

Wastewater -- In the LA affected area, there are a total of 122 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/22, EPA has determined that 87 of these facilities are operational and 35 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 118 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 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. EPA issued an emergency Administrative Order to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to temporarily allow discharges from the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Mississippi as a result of Katrina. This effort was coordinated with LDEQ. EPA has developed a set of questions and answers that will assist in responding to inquiries. Discussions among agencies represented at the Joint Field Office are ongoing to determine when to stop pumping water out of New Orleans into Lake Pontchatrain. EPA personnel are reviewing historic water quality and current conditions obtained from environmental sampling. EPA’s Water program is preparing to assess all wastewater treatment plans.

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