Outreach – EPA released and posted six public service announcements warning of potential environmental health hazards to residents returning to hurricane impacted areas. Topics include leaking natural gas lines; carbon monoxide poisoning from using un-vented fuel-burning equipment indoors; toxic fumes from household cleaners and disinfectants; airborne asbestos and lead dust; hazardous waste; and contaminated flood water.

National Priorities List (NPL) – On 10/6, EPA posted a summary of the assessment activity for NPL sites in the paths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at https://www.epa.gov/katrina/superfund.html#al

Air Monitoring – On 10/6, EPA’s Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus team conducted air monitoring in the French Quarter, Center Business District, Lower 9th Ward, and the Garden District in Orleans Parish.

Sampling – On 10/6, sampling continued on flood, outfall, and surface water, and sediment in New Orleans. 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.

Drinking Water Assessment – In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 10/6, EPA has determined that 1171 of these facilities are operational, 178 are operating on a boil water notice, 89 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 153. In MS, there are a total of 1,367 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.1 million people. EPA has determined that 1,270 of these facilities are operational, 64 are operating on a boil water notice and 33 are inoperable. In TX, there are a total of 1054 drinking water facilities that served approximately 4 million people. EPA has determined that 476 are operational, 139 are operating on a boil water notice, 135 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 304. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is continuing to assess drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In LA, there are a total of 317 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 10/6, EPA has determined that 293 of these facilities are operational, 15 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 91. In MS, there are a total of 329 POTW, all of which are operational. In AL, there are a total of 84 facilities with one not operating. In TX, there are a total of 70 POTW. EPA has determined that 56 are operational, 4 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 10. 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. (Note: POTW numbers are now being reported based on utilization of FEMA disaster designation.)

Debris Assessment and Collection – On 10/6, informational flyers on debris collection continued to be distributed by EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality in residential neighborhoods. 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. Collection sites are in place in LA, MS, and AL.

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EPA Response Activity - October 6

In The Field

Air Monitoring – On 10/5, EPA’s Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus team monitored near petrochemical facilities located in St. John and St. James Parishes in Louisiana . EPA’s air sampling group continues with the mobilization and staging of stationary and mobile air sampling and monitoring equipment in Louisiana .

Sampling – On 10/5, sampling continued on flood, outfall, and surface water in New Orleans . EPA’s soil/sediment sampling in affected areas along the Gulf Coast continues. 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 .

National Priorities List (NPL) – EPA teams continue to assess NPL sites in the area affected by Rita. Twenty seven of the 28 TX sites have been assessed. Four out of the five NPL sites in Louisiana have been assessed. 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. *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 10/5, EPA has determined that 1171 of these facilities are operational, 178 are operating on a boil water notice, 89 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 153. In MS, there are a total of 1,367 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.1 million people. EPA has determined that 1,270 of these facilities are operational, 64 are operating on a boil water notice and 33 are inoperable. In TX, there are a total of 1054 drinking water facilities that served approximately 4 million people. EPA has determined that 476 are operational, 139 are operating on a boil water notice, 135 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 304. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is continuing to assess drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In LA, there are a total of 317 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 10/5, EPA has determined that 292 of these facilities are operational, 14 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 11. In MS, there are a total of 329 POTW, all of which are operational. In AL , there are a total of 84 facilities with one not operating. In TX, there are a total of 70 POTW. EPA has determined that 49 are operational, 5 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 16. 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. (Note: POTW numbers are now being reported based on utilization of FEMA disaster designation.)

Debris Assessment and Collection – On 10/5, an informational flyer on debris collection continued to be distributed by EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality in residential neighborhoods. 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. Collection sites are in place in LA, MS, and AL.

Web Site Postings

Flood Water Samples – The following flood water and sediment sample results taken in the New Orleans area were posted on the EPA Web site on 10/6.

Sediment samples for 9/30 indicate the continued presence of petroleum products. Arsenic and lead were detected at levels exceeding Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health guidance values based on ingestion. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals including aluminum, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. Bacterial contamination consistent with the presence of sewage was also detected. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Sediment samples for 9/27 indicate the continued presence of petroleum products. Arsenic was detected at levels exceeding ATSDR/CDC health guidance values based on ingesting the sediment. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals including hexavalent and trivalent chromium, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. Bacterial contamination as expected from sewage was also indicated. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Test results for sediment samples taken 9/26 indicate the continued presence of petroleum products. Lead concentrations were greater than ATSDR/CDC health guidance values for three samples assuming the sediment was ingested. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals including antimony, arsenic, and chromium, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. Bacterial contamination as expected from sewage contamination was also detected. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Flood water samples for 9/26 indicated that manganese was detected at concentrations that exceeded ATSDR/CDC health guidance values based on ingestion of the water. EPA and ATSDR/CDC do not feel that manganese levels pose a human health threat as ingestion of flood water should not be occurring unless there is inadvertent ingestion (e.g., from splashing). EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with flood water, where possible, and washing with soap and water should contact with flood water occur. Bacterial contamination consistent with the presence of sewage was also detected. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, should be worn by emergency responders .

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EPA Response Activity - October 5

National

Fuel Waivers - On 10/4, EPA issued an emergency waiver of the low-sulfur highway diesel fuel requirement, through 10/25, for Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida , Tennessee and Kentucky , and states located in Petroleum Administration for Defense District (PADD) III. The waiver takes effect upon expiration of the 9/13 diesel fuel waiver for Kentucky and all states located in PADDs I (East Coast) and III ( Gulf Coast ), and the 9/27 diesel fuel waiver for Kentucky. More about fuel waivers.

In The Field

Outreach

News Release - EPA and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH), along with other federal, state and local public health officials, issued a news release 10/4 urging owners and managers of New Orleans-area restaurants and hotels to ensure that drinking water provided for customers is purchased only from reputable experienced vendors. Federal officials have become aware of several instances of drinking water vendors bypassing established safeguards and using inappropriate vehicles to deliver water to customers, potentially exposing both residents and responders to water contaminated with unhealthy bacteria or chemicals. http://yosemite.epa.gov/r6/press.nsf/name/La.DrinkingWater
Mold Brochures - The Joint Field Office has requested additional EPA mold brochures for distribution to returning residents and small businesses.
Debris Flyers – An informational flyer on debris collection is being distributed by EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Sampling – On 10/4, sampling continued on flood, lake, outfall, and surface water in New Orleans . EPA’s soil/sediment sampling in affected areas along the Gulf Coast began 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 .

Air Monitoring – EPA’s air sampling group continues with the mobilization and staging of stationary and mobile air sampling and monitoring equipment in Louisiana . EPA’s Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus team is sampling for low level volatile organic compounds in the New Orleans area.

Mobile Labs – Bacteriological analyses continue on individual private well water supplies in Livingston, LA, on public water systems in Kinder, LA, and on public and private supplies in Gulfport, MS.

Drinking Water Assessment -- In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 10/4, EPA has determined that 1171 of these facilities are operational, 178 are operating on a boil water notice, 89 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 153. In MS, there are a total of 1,367 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.1 million people. EPA has determined that 1,270 of these facilities are operational, 64 are operating on a boil water notice and 33 are inoperable. In TX, there are a total of 982 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.7 million. EPA has determined that 408 are operational, 123 are operating on a boil water notice, 124 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 327. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA’s Water program is continuing to assess drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In LA, there are a total of 317 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 10/4, EPA has determined that 292 of these facilities are operational, 14 are not operating, and 11 are awaiting further information. In MS, there are a total of 329 POTW. EPA has determined that 328 of these facilities are operational and 1 facility is not operating. In AL , there are a total of 84 facilities with one not operating. In TX, there are a total of 70 POTW. EPA has determined that 49 are operational, 5 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 16. 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. (Note: POTW numbers are now being reported based on utilization of FEMA disaster designation.)

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. Collection sites are in place in LA, MS, and AL.

Web Site Postings

Flood Water - https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/water/index.html
On 10/3, new data was posted from flood water samples taken 9/25 indicating that arsenic was detected in four samples and exceeded the EPA drinking water Maximum Contaminant Level in one of these samples. Lead was detected in three samples and exceeded the EPA action limit in one of these samples. Manganese was detected at levels that exceeded Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) /Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exposure scenarios for sensitive populations in five samples. EPA and ATSDR/CDC do not feel that chemicals exceeding EPA drinking water standards or ATSDR/CDC heath guidance values pose a human health threat as ingestion of flood water should not be occurring (unless there is inadvertent ingestion e.g., from splashing). EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with flood water, where possible, and washing with soap and water should contact with flood water occur. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, should be worn by emergency responders.

Sediment - https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/sediments/index.html
On 10/3, new data was posted on sediment samples taken 9/25 indicating continued elevated concentrations of petroleum. Lead was found in all samples tested but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals and mercury were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, should be worn by emergency responders.

Air Screening - https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/air/index.html
O On 10/3, new screening data was posted from ASPECT flight 4, deployed for Rita on 9/26 to assess chemical and petroleum facilities located near Lake Charles , LA. Trace levels of chemicals were detected. Most of the chemicals have not exceeded the ATSDR Minimal Risk Levels or EPA's Acute Exposure Guidance Levels (AEGLs) for short-term health effects. Only ethylene and glycol appeared elevated. However, the levels detected were below the instrument's ability to detect accurately the chemical and therefore a definitive statement about its risk cannot be made. Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used only for screening purposes, general conclusions about the quality of the air should not be drawn.

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EPA Response Activity - October 4

Web Site Postings

Flood Water - https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/water/index.html
On 10/3, new data was posted from flood water samples taken 9/25 indicating that arsenic was detected in four samples and exceeded the EPA drinking water Maximum Contaminant Level in one of these samples. Lead was detected in three samples and exceeded the EPA action limit in one of these samples. Manganese was detected at levels that exceeded Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exposure scenarios for sensitive populations in five samples. EPA and ATSDR/CDC do not feel that chemicals exceeding EPA drinking water standards or ATSDR/CDC heath guidance values pose a human health threat as ingestion of flood water should not be occurring (unless there is inadvertent ingestion e.g., from splashing). EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with flood water, where possible, and washing with soap and water should contact with flood water occur. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, should be worn by emergency responders.

Air Screening - https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/air/index.html
On 10/3, new screening data was posted from ASPECT flight 4, deployed for Rita on 9/26 to assess chemical and petroleum facilities located near Lake Charles, LA. Trace levels of chemicals were detected. Most of the chemicals have not exceeded the ATSDR) Minimal Risk Levels or EPA's Acute Exposure Guidance Levels (AEGLs) for short-term health effects. Only ethylene and glycol appeared elevated. However, the levels detected were below the instrument's ability to detect accurately the chemical and therefore a definitive statement about its risk cannot be made. Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used only for screening purposes, general conclusions about the quality of the air should not be drawn.

In The Field

Sampling - On 10/3, sampling continued on flood, lake, outfall, and surface water, and sediment in several Louisiana locations. EPA's soil/sediment sampling in affected areas along the Gulf Coast began 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.

Air Monitoring - EPA's air sampling group continues with the mobilization and staging of stationary and mobile air sampling and monitoring equipment in Louisiana. EPA's Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus team is sampling for low level volatile organic compounds in the New Orleans area.

Mobile Labs - Bacteriological analyses continue on individual private well water supplies in Livingston, LA, on public water systems in Kinder, LA, and on public and private supplies in Gulfport, MS.

National Priorities List (NPL) - EPA teams continue to assess NPL sites in the area affected by Rita. Twenty seven of the 28 TX sites have been assessed. Four out of the five NPL sites in Louisiana have been assessed. 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.

Drinking Water Assessment -- In LA, there are a total of 1591 drinking water facilities that served approximately 5 million people. As of 10/3, EPA has determined that 1151 of these facilities are operational, 186 are operating on a boil water notice, 95 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 159. In MS, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,256 of these facilities are operational, 76 are operating on a boil water notice and 36 are inoperable. In TX, there are a total of 982 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.7 million. EPA has determined that 408 are operational, 123 are operating on a boil water notice, 124 are not operating, and 327 are awaiting further information. It should be noted that operational facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction. EPA's Water program is continuing to assess drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In LA, there are a total of 317 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 10/3, EPA has determined that 292 of these facilities are operational, 14 are not operating, and 11 are awaiting further information. In MS, there are a total of 329 POTW. EPA has determined that 328 of these facilities are operational and 1 facility is not operating. In AL, there are a total of 84 facilities with one not operating. In TX, there are a total of 70 POTW. EPA has determined that 45 are operational, six are not operating, and 19 are awaiting further information. 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. (Note: POTW numbers are now being reported based on utilization of FEMA disaster designation.)

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 10/3, EPA has collected over 65,000 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region. Collection sites are in place in LA, MS, and AL.

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

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EPA Response Activity - October 3

National

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.

EPA issued an emergency waiver to add the Commonwealth of Kentucky to the 9/13 waiver of the low-sulfur highway diesel fuel requirements in Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts (PADDs) I (East Coast) and III (Gulf Coast) and the State of Tennessee.
EPA issued an emergency fuel waiver to temporarily raise the per-gallon cap on sulfur in conventional gasoline produced at the ExxonMobil refinery in Baytown , Texas , through 10/6, and to allow this fuel to be distributed and sold in Kentucky , Tennessee and PADDs I and III. More about fuel waivers.

In The Field

Sampling – On 10/1-2, sampling continued on flood, outfall, and surface water, and sediment in several Louisiana locations. EPA’s soil/sediment sampling in affected areas along the Gulf Coast is expected to begin today, 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 .

National Priorities List (NPL) – EPA teams continue to assess NPL sites in the area affected by Rita. Twenty seven of the 28 TX sites have been assessed. Four out of the five NPL sites in Louisiana have been assessed. 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 LA. *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 10/2, EPA has determined that 1151 of these facilities are operational, 186 are operating on a boil water notice, 95 are not operating, and further information is being gathered on 159. In MS, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3.2 million people. EPA has determined that 1,256 of these facilities are operational, 76 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 drinking water plants in the affected area.

Wastewater -- In LA, there are a total of 317 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 10/2, EPA has determined that 289 of these facilities are operational, 15 are not operating, and 13 are awaiting further information. In MS, there are a total of 329 POTW. EPA has determined that 328 of these facilities are operational and 1 facility is not operating. In AL , there are a total of 84 facilities with one 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. (Note: POTW numbers are now being reported based on utilization of FEMA disaster designation.)

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Week 6: October 2 - October 8

EPA Regional Information

EPA Response Activity - October 7

EPA Response Activity - October 6

EPA Response Activity - October 5

EPA Response Activity - October 4

EPA Response Activity - October 3

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