Hurricane Sandy Response and Recovery
In response to Hurricane Sandy, EPA has been supporting FEMA and working closely with federal agencies and the states of New Jersey and New York to assess damage and respond to environmental concerns. In some areas, storm damage is widespread and the first and immediate priority is the protection of people's health and their safety.
EPA is assessing the condition of drinking water and wastewater facilities, helping to get several damaged wastewater treatment plants in New Jersey up and running, evaluating conditions at hazardous waste sites and assisting in the collection of debris and household hazardous waste. Water quality sampling has been conducted along the New Jersey coastline. We will post the sampling results to our website as they become available. EPA has also been providing information to the public about cleaning up after flooding, mold, and the safe disposal of household hazardous waste.
Resources for Residents
- Fact sheets on flooded buildings, mold cleanup, household hazardous waste, lead paint, NJ & NY hotlines, and more.
- Disinfecting drinking water
- Hazardous Waste Curbside Pickup (NYC five boroughs)
General Information about Recovery
- ALERT: Generator exhaust is deadly. Always put generators outside well away from buildings.
- Call 1-800-424-8802 to report chemical or oil spills.
- General info about flood recovery
State Response Links
Response Efforts
- As of November 28, 2012: In response to requests from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and municipalities, EPA is providing assistance in assessing drinking water and wastewater facilities across the state.
Questions and Answers
News Releases, Data, and Documentation
- Nov 27 - Cleaning Up After a Flood: Children's Health (PDF) (1 pg, about PDF)
- Nov 26 - Flood Cleanup in New York City: Household Hazardous Waste(1 pp, 204K, about PDF)
- Nov 21 - EPA, State and City Launch Household Hazardous Waste Pickup in New York City
Contact Us
For more environmental information related to the hurricane, contact EPA's hotline: 1-888-283-7626
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