Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

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Flood Water Test Results: Chemical 

Testing

 

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 

Joint news conference

EPA Administrator 

Stephen L. Johnson 

and CDC Director Dr. Julie 

Gerberding.

listen or download now

(MP3 21:22mins, 20 MB) 

Mediaplayer

Flood water precautions

The U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency and the U.

S. Department of Health and 

Human Services are 

cautioning the public and all 

responders about the 

potential hazards associated 

with flood waters.

Every effort should be made 

to limit contact with flood 

water due to potentially 

elevated levels of 

contamination associated 

with raw sewage and other 

hazardous substances.

More guidelines

Map of sample testing areas

Introduction

Chemical sampling map - September 3, 

2005

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana 

Department of Environmental Quality 

performed chemical sampling of New 

Orleans flood waters for over one hundred 

priority pollutants such as volatile organic 

compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic 

compounds (SVOCs), total metals, 

pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated 

biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in 

the flood water exceeded EPA drinking 

water action levels. These measured levels 

are a concern if flood water were to be a 

child's source of drinking water. 

Based on the sampling, emergency 

responders and the public should avoid 

direct contact with standing water when 

possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA 

and CDC strongly advise the use of soap 

and water to clean exposed areas if 

available. Flood water should not be 

swallowed and all mouth contact should be 

minimized and avoided where possible. 

People should immediately report any 

symptoms to health professionals. The 

most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood 

water contaminated with bacteria are 

stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem2005_09_03.html (1 of 3)9/13/2005 11:32:36 AM
Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or 

abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with certain 

organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the 

infection and should see a doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and 

emergency responders can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 

Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.

osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html). 

top of page

Chemical sampling map - September 3, 2005

Click on a site to view data

Site 1: West End Blvd Veterans Highway (I-10 and I-61)

Site 2: Airline Highway and Causeway Blvd

Site 3: North Claiborne Ave exit ramp (Exit 236B) off I-10

Site 4: Off I-10 near Exit 239 Louisa St and Almonaster Ave

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem2005_09_03.html (2 of 3)9/13/2005 11:32:36 AM
Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Site 5: Off I-10 near Exit 240B Chef Menteur Highway (US Hwy 90)

Site 6: Off I-610 near Exit 2A between Paris St and St. Bernards St

top of page

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Flood-Water Sampling Chemical Data Available Sep 11 - The Environmental 

Protection Agency in coordination with the Louisiana Department of 

Environmental Quality today posted data from New Orleans flood water chemical 

samples collected from 6 locations on September 3. The data have been 

reviewed and validated through a quality assurance process to ensure scientific 

accuracy. Chemical results indicate that the concentration of lead exceeded EPA 

drinking water action levels. These levels are of a concern if a child ingests large 

amounts of the flood water. Based on the chemical analyses and the presence of 

high levels of E. coli, EPA and CDC provided health guidance on September 7 to 

avoid human contact with the flood water when possible. EPA in coordination with 

federal, state and local agencies will continue to release data as it becomes 

available.

Test Results

First Flood-Water Sampling Biological Data Available Sep 9 - The 

Environmental Protection Agency in coordination with the Louisiana Department 

of Environmental Quality today posted data from New Orleans flood water 

samples collected from 12 locations in the September 3-5 time period. The data 

have been reviewed and validated through a quality assurance process to ensure 

scientific accuracy. Initial biological results indicated the presence of high levels 

of E. coli in sampled areas. Based on that preliminary information, on September 

7 EPA and CDC provided health guidance to avoid human contact with flood 

water when possible. EPA in coordination with federal, state and local agencies 

will continue to release data as it becomes available.

Precautions | Test Results | More information

Response update Sep 12 - 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. 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. 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. 

More information | Caution advisory

State, local roles in reducing particulate air pollution Sep 9 - State, local and 

tribal governments will be asked to describe how they will meet health-based 

standards for PM2.5 pollution. Areas meeting the standard must show how they 

will ensure PM2.5 levels remain below the standards.

News release | More information

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WV $4.8 million for Parkersburg waste treatment plant 

 

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Environmental Protection Agency - EPA Press Release: EPA and HHS Urge Caution in Areas Exposed to Contaminated Flood Water 

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EPA and HHS Urge Caution in Areas Exposed to 

Contaminated Flood Water 

EPA Press Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov

HHS Press Office: 202-690-6343

(Washington, D.C.-September 6, 2005) The U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are 

cautioning the public and all responders about the potential hazards 

associated with flood waters.

Every effort should be made to limit contact with flood water due to 

potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage 

and other hazardous substances. 

EPA and HHS are providing the following guidelines for those in contact 

with flood water:

§ Wash your hands before drinking and eating 

§ Wash frequently using soap -- especially disinfecting soap

§ Do not smoke

§ Limit direct contact with contaminated flood water 

§ Report cuts or open wounds and limit exposure

§ Report all symptoms

§ Keep vaccinations current

EPA and HHS recognize that Hurricane Katrina has caused extraordinary 

circumstances and that people may not currently have access to clean 

water, vaccinations, doctors, or disinfecting soap. EPA and HHS 

encourage people in these extraordinary circumstances to adhere to the 

above guidelines as closely as is possible to limit exposure to possible 

water contaminants.

The public and emergency response personnel should follow guidelines 

from federal, state and local health and safety professionals. Early 

symptoms from exposure to contaminated flood water may include upset 

stomach, intestinal problems, headache and other flu-like discomfort. 

Anyone experiencing these and any other problems should immediately 

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Environmental Protection Agency - EPA Press Release: EPA and HHS Urge Caution in Areas Exposed to Contaminated Flood Water 

seek medical attention. 

General precautions to reduce contact with contaminated flood include 

routine washing with soap, and not eating or drinking while in contact with 

flood water. These precautions can significantly help reduce potential 

exposure and illness. Anyone with open-wounds or pre-existing conditions 

should seek immediate consultation to prevent possible illness. 

EPA and HHS will continue to provide more information to the public and 

responders as it becomes available. Again, the general public and 

responders should limit exposure to flood water and seek medical attention 

if they develop symptoms.

For more information go to: http://www.epa.gov/katrina

Release date:09/06/2005 

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Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Hurricane Katrina Response 

Contact Us | Search: 

EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Water issues > Flood Water Test 

Results > Chemical Testing 

Flood Water Test Results: Chemical Testing

 

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 

Joint news conference

EPA Administrator 

Stephen L. Johnson 

and CDC Director Dr. Julie 

Gerberding.

listen or download now

(MP3 21:22mins, 20 MB) 

Mediaplayer

Flood water precautions

The U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency and the U.

S. Department of Health and 

Human Services are 

cautioning the public and all 

responders about the 

potential hazards associated 

with flood waters.

Every effort should be made 

to limit contact with flood 

water due to potentially 

elevated levels of 

contamination associated 

with raw sewage and other 

hazardous substances.

More guidelines

Map of sample testing areas

Introduction

Chemical sampling map - September 3, 2005

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of 

Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of New 

Orleans flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such 

as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic 

compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and 

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in the 

flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These 

measured levels are a concern if flood water were to be a child's 

source of drinking water. 

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public 

should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. In 

the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of 

soap and water to clean exposed areas if available. Flood water 

should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized 

and avoided where possible. People should immediately report any 

symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of 

ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomachache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if 

they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact 

with water contaminated with certain organisms. One may 

experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the infection 

and should see a doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both 

the public and emergency responders can be found on the Centers 

for Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/

disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.osha.gov/

OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html). 

http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/epaprintonly.cgi (1 of 3)9/13/2005 11:32:48 AM
Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

top of page

Chemical sampling map - September 3, 2005

Click on a site to view data

Site 1: West End Blvd Veterans Highway (I-10 and I-61)

Site 2: Airline Highway and Causeway Blvd

Site 3: North Claiborne Ave exit ramp (Exit 236B) off I-10

Site 4: Off I-10 near Exit 239 Louisa St and Almonaster Ave

Site 5: Off I-10 near Exit 240B Chef Menteur Highway (US Hwy 90)

Site 6: Off I-610 near Exit 2A between Paris St and St. Bernards St

top of page

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This page was generated on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 

View the graphical version of this page at: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem2005_09_03.html

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Hurricanes; Natural Events; EPA

Natural Events 

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EPA Home > Natural Events > Hurricanes 

Natural Events Home

Hurricanes

 en español

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Hurricanes | en español 

 

Go to 

information about

Hurricane Katrina

Prepare for a hurricane before 

it strikes - information to help 

you understand the dangers 

and what you can do before a 

disaster (information below).

Recover from a hurricane - 

recognize possible 

environmental hazards and what you can do to protect your 

and your family's health, and for commercial buildings and 

schools (information below).

Many of the links below go to sites outside EPA. 

Prepare for a hurricane before it strikes.

 

Other sites related to 

preparedness

Hurricane hazards

- Federal Emergency 

Management Agency

Hurricane preparedness

- American Red Cross

natural disasters 

- ready.gov 

General info: What to do before 

hurricane season, or before a 

hurricane strikes. (from fema.gov) 

más en español

Drinking water and food

● Make a kit of supplies. (ready.

gov) Keep at least a 3-day water 

supply per person -and don't 

forget pets. What you can do to 

protect your household well. 

● Prepare food supplies for a 

weather emergency. Get a 

http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/hurricanes.html (1 of 4)9/13/2005 11:32:50 AM
Hurricanes; Natural Events; EPA

 

fridge thermometer to be sure of 

safe storage temperatures. 

Freeze extra containers of water 

ahead of time. Use ice chests in 

case power is out for more than 

four hours. More info... 

● For water and Wastewater facilities - Suggested pre-hurricane 

activities to help facilities prepare for severe weather conditions.

Debris - Planning For Disaster Debris Debris from disasters can 

overwhelm a community's ability to handle in terms of volume or type of 

debris. This guide highlights the need for communities to plan ahead for 

debris cleanup after a major natural or man-made disaster. Based on lessons 

learned from communities that have experienced such disasters, this guide 

contains information to help communities prepare for and recover more 

quickly from the increased solid waste generated by a disaster. Download the 

printable version, PDF 28 pp 1.6 MB, get PDF reader.

Well-designed storage of fertilizer and chemicals - Properly designed or 

modified storage facilities enhance worker safety and minimize the risk 

contamination.

top of page

 

Recover from a hurricane.

 

ALERT 

Boil Drinking Water

If your water may not be 

safe, bring drinking water 

to a rolling boil for 1 

minute to kill waterborne diseases.

More info | en español

Other sites related to 

recovery 

Recovering from disasters - 

Federal Emergency 

>> Go to the Hurricane Katrina page.

General info: What to do after a 

hurricane. (fema.gov) 

ALERT: Generator exhaust is toxic.

Put generators outside or carefully 

vent the exhaust outside because the 

exhaust contains dangerously high 

levels of carbon monoxide (CO), a 

poisonous gas.

Drinking water and food 

http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/hurricanes.html (2 of 4)9/13/2005 11:32:50 AM
Hurricanes; Natural Events; EPA

Management Agency

Natural disasters

- ready.gov 

 

● Boiling water information To kill 

all major water-borne bacterial 

pathogens, bring water to a 

rolling boil for 1 minute. Boil 3 

minutes at elevations above 5280 

ft (1 mile or 1.6 km). Getting and 

disinfecting water (fema.gov) 

● Make sure older adults have 

enough water to drink. Older 

adults may feel thirsty less, and 

dehydration can be life 

threatening to an elderly person. 

● What to do about water from household wells after a flood . Do 

not turn on the pump - danger of electric shock. Do not drink or wash 

with water from the flooded well. More info. General info about 

household wells. 

● Keeping food safe during an emergency. Don't test spoiled food by 

tasting it! (usda.gov) 

● For water and Wastewater facilities - Suggested post-hurricane 

activities to help facilities recover from severe weather conditions.

Flooding and mold

● Flood cleanup: keeping air healthy inside The key to mold control 

is moisture control. After the flood, remove standing water, dry 

indoor areas, and remove wet materials within 24-28 hours. 

● Safely cleaning a flood-damaged home from cdc.gov and Repair your 

flooded home from redcross.org 

● Mold cleanup in schools and commercial buildings. information for 

building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for 

commercial building and school maintenance. 

● Gemeral - Mold, moisture, and your home

❍ Basics

❍ Cleaning up mold

❍ What to Wear

Pesticides, chemical & oil spills, hazardous waste 

● Call the National Response Center 1-800-424-8802 (24 hours a day 

every day). For those without 800 access, please call 202-267-2675.

● Industries and businesses that encounter spills or discharges in a 

hurricane's aftermath should contact the National Response Center 

immediately.

● National Pesticide Information Center: 1-800-858-7378. Pesticide 

contacts 

● General information about environmental emergencies 

http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/hurricanes.html (3 of 4)9/13/2005 11:32:50 AM
Hurricanes; Natural Events; EPA

Debris

● What To Do With Disaster Debris - Disasters can generate tons of 

debris, including building rubble, soil and sediments, green waste (e.

g., trees and shrubs), personal property, ash, and charred wood. How 

a community manages disaster debris depends on the debris 

generated and the waste management options available. Burying or 

burning is no longer acceptable because of the side effects of smoke 

and fire from burning, and potential water and soil contamination from 

burial. Typical methods of recycling and solid waste disposal in 

sanitary landfills often cannot be applied to disaster debris because of 

the large volume of waste and reluctance to overburden existing 

disposal capacity. More information...

● Disposing of debris from the Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA) 

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Hurricane Katrina Response 

Contact Us | Print Version Search: 

EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

Current activities

Health issues

 Mold

 West Nile virus 

Water Issues

 Test results

Debris Issues 

Fuel waivers

Photo Gallery

Related links

General information 

 about hurricanes

 

ALERT 

Boil Drinking Water

If your water isn't safe, bring 

drinking water to a rolling boil for 

1 minute to kill water - borne 

diseases. More on treating water.

Keep food & drinking water safe.

Dehydration in older adults. 

Hurricane Response

How to Get Help

Donate and Volunteer

Finding Loved Ones 

Health and Safety

Government Response

En Español

EPA Regional information

EPA Region 4 (for Alabama, 

Florida, and Mississippi)

EPA Region 6 (for Louisiana)

Flooding in New Orleans' 

9th Ward (US EPA photo 

9/010/2005) 

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. 

Get current emergency 

notifications from the Federal 

Emergency Management 

Agency.

EPA response activities

● Latest Response 

Activities (Sep 12)

● Test results released

❍ Biological test 

results

❍ Chemical test 

results 

● EPA and HHS Urge 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/index.html (1 of 3)9/13/2005 11:32:52 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Caution in Areas 

Exposed to 

Contaminated Flood 

Water (en español)

● Caution urged dealing 

with debris and 

entering damaged 

buildings

● EPA grants emergency fuel waivers

● Chronology of response activities

Protecting Human Health 

● If your water isn't safe, bring drinking water to a rolling boil for 1 

minute to kill water-borne diseases. More info | en español

● Beware of food spoiled by lack of refrigeration. More information 

on protecting food.

● More information about recovery...

● Make sure older adults have enough water to drink. Dehydration 

can be life threatening to an elderly person. More info...

Water issues 

● Boil drinking water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. More info... 

● Don't turn on the well pump. Don't drink or wash with water from a 

flooded well. More info... 

● Suggested activivites for water and waste water facilities.

● National Emergency Resource Registry (https://www.swern.gov/) - 

Register if you have resources to help water utilities recover from 

Katrina.

● Flood water test results: EPA and the Dept. of Health and Human 

Services are cautioning the public and emergency responders to limit 

contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of 

contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous 

substances. More info...

Fuel Waivers

● On August 31, to help meet emergency demand, EPA issued a 

nationwide waiver to allow use of certain fuel types that don't meet 

emissions requirements, through September 15, 2005. More 

information... Remarks by EPA Administrator

 

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Hurricane Katrina Response 

Contact Us | Print Version Search: 

EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Water issues 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

Current activities

Health issues

 Mold

 West Nile virus 

Water Issues

 Test results

Debris Issues 

Fuel waivers

Photo Gallery

Related links

General information 

 about hurricanes

Water issues 

 

Flood Water 

Test Results

Floodwaters from six 

locations across the New 

Orleans area were sampled 

by EPA and analyzed for 

chemicals and bacteria. 

These initial results 

represent the beginning of 

extensive sampling efforts 

and do not represent the 

condition of all flood waters 

throughout the area. 

Preliminary information 

indicates that bacteria 

counts for E. coli in 

sampled areas greatly 

exceed EPA’s 

recommended levels for 

contact. At these levels, 

human contact with water 

should be avoided as much 

as possible.

More information

Joint news conference 

about test results 

EPA Administrator 

Stephen L. Johnson 

and CDC Director Dr. Julie 

Gerberding.

Listen or download 

to the audio file...

Flood water sampling

EPA is carrying out extensive sampling 

of standing flood waters in the City of 

New Orleans. The Agency follows a 

quality assurance process that ensures 

that the data is thoroughly reviewed and 

validated. This process is being used for 

all data received as part of the 

emergency response. EPA is ensuring 

coordination of data between federal, 

state, and local agencies and will 

routinely release data as soon as it is 

available.

● Flood water test results

● Preliminary test results advisory

Drinking water and food

● Boil water - To kill major waterborne diseases, bring water to a 

rolling boil for 1 minute. Boil 3 

minutes at elevations above 5280 

ft (1 mile or 1.6 km). 

● What to do about water from 

household wells after a flood . 

Do not turn on the pump - danger 

of electric shock. Do not drink or 

wash with water from the flooded 

well. More info. General info 

about household wells. 

● Dehydration (extreme thirst) 

can be life-threatening in older 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/waterissues.html (1 of 2)9/13/2005 11:32:53 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

 

adults. Make sure older adults 

have enough good drinking water 

and are drinking it. Older adults 

risk dehydration because they 

may feel thirsty less, because of medications, or due to physical 

conditions that make it difficult to drink. More information about 

dehydration risks in older adults. 

● EPA and HHS Urge Caution in Areas Exposed to Contaminated 

Flood Water - guidelines for those in contact with flood water. Flood 

water test results...

For water and wastewater facilities

● Suggested post-hurricane activities - to help facilities recover from 

severe weather conditions. 

● National Emergency Resource Registry (https://www.swern.gov/) - 

Register if you have resources to help water utilities recover from 

Katrina.

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Hurricane Katrina Response 

Contact Us | Print Version Search: 

EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Water issues > Test results 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

Current activities

Health issues

 Mold

 West Nile virus 

Water Issues

 Test results

Debris Issues 

Fuel waivers

Photo Gallery

Related links

General information 

 about hurricanes

Water issues: Test results 

EPA is carrying out extensive sampling of standing flood waters in the City of 

New Orleans. The Agency follows a quality assurance process that ensures 

that the data is thoroughly reviewed and validated. This process is being used 

for all data received as part of the emergency response. EPA is ensuring 

coordination of data between federal, state, and local agencies and will 

routinely release data as soon as it is available.

Biological Testing: total coliforms and E. coli

Chemical Testing

Biological testing: total coliforms and E. coli

The samples are being analyzed for total coliforms and E. coli. These 

bacteria are commonly found in high numbers in the feces of humans and 

other warm-blooded animals. Finding total coliforms and E. coli in a water 

sample indicates the potential presence of pathogens and therefore a risk of 

illness or infection by being exposed to the feces-contaminated water. EPA 

and CDC have agreed that examining water samples for pathogens, such as 

Vibrio cholera, Shigella, E.coli 0157 or Salmonella would not be useful at this 

time. 

More specifically, pathogens will not be determined at this time because:

● Pathogens are difficult to grow in the laboratory, especially in highly 

contaminated surface waters.

● Finding one pathogen will not predict the risk from other pathogens. 

● Finding pathogens in standing water will not affect how imminent risk 

is presented to the public or how decisions are made.

● Wastewater from a large population is expected to contain enteric 

pathogens, therefore, identifying the presence of fecally-contaminated 

water will give a broader risk perspective than detecting specific 

pathogens.

The sampling effort devoted to measuring total coliforms and E. coli will be 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/index.html (1 of 3)9/13/2005 11:32:54 AM
Test results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

more effective if a large number of samples are tested and the results are 

applied to warning the public about risks associated with contact with 

contaminated floodwaters.

Test results

Biological testing Sep. 3-4-5, 2005

Chemical testing

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality 

performed chemical sampling of New Orleans flood waters for over one 

hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 

semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, 

herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in 

the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured 

levels are a concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking 

water. 

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid 

direct contact with standing water when possible. In the event contact occurs, 

EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed 

areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact 

should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately 

report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of 

ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, 

vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, 

wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with 

certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the 

site of the infection and should see a doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public 

and emergency responders can be found on the Centers for Disease Control 

(CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and 

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://

www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html).

Test results

Chemical testing Sep. 3, 2005

top of page

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Hurricane Katrina Response 

Contact Us | Print Version Search: 

EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Current activities 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

Current activities

Health issues

 Mold

 West Nile virus 

Water Issues

 Test results

Debris Issues 

Fuel waivers

Photo Gallery

Related links

General information 

 about hurricanes

Current activities

 

EPA Regional activities 

and information:

EPA Region 4 (for Alabama, 

Florida, and Mississippi) 

EPA Region 6 (for Louisiana)

Related links to other federal and 

state information.

This page is updated at least 

once a day, usually by early 

evening.

Week 3: September 11 - 

current

Monday, September 12 

● Update: Response to 

Hurricane Katrina

Sunday, September 11

● Update: Response to 

Hurricane Katrina

Week 2: September 4 - 

September 10

Week 1: August 28 - 

September 3

Week 2: September 4 - September 10

Saturday, September 10 

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

Friday, September 9

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/activities.html (1 of 31)9/13/2005 11:32:59 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

● Fuel waiver extended to Sept 23 for Richmond, VA 

Thursday, September 8

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

Wednesday, September 7

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

● EPA and CDC Report High Levels of Bacterial Contamination in 

Preliminary Floodwater Samples from New Orleans

Tuesday, September 6 

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

● EPA and HHS Urge Caution in Areas Exposed to Contaminated Flood 

Water

Monday, September 5

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

Sunday, September 4

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

● Caution urged dealing with debris and entering hurricane damaged 

buildings

Week 1: August 28 - September 3

Saturday, September 3 

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

Friday, September 2 

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

Thursday, September 1

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/activities.html (2 of 31)9/13/2005 11:32:59 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Wednesday, August 31

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

● Nationwide fuel waiver issued to bolster fuel supplies

Tuesday, August 30

● Update: Response to Hurricane Katrina

● EPA grants emergency fuel waiver for Florida, Louisiana, Alabama 

and Mississippi

Monday, August 29

● Spill Notification

● Helping states manage fuel supplies

Sunday, August 28

● EPA Prepares for Hurricane Katrina

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.

External Actions

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 - http://

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. 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/activities.html (3 of 31)9/13/2005 11:32:59 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

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 asbestoscontaining 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 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/activities.html (4 of 31)9/13/2005 11:32:59 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

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. 

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 - http://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 asbestoscontaining 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.

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/activities.html (5 of 31)9/13/2005 11:32:59 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

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 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/activities.html (6 of 31)9/13/2005 11:32:59 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

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. 

EPA Response Activity - September 10

Flood Water Analysis - On 9/9, EPA in coordination with the Louisiana 

Department of Environmental Quality posted data from New Orleans flood 

water samples collected from 12 locations in the September 3-5 time period. 

The data has been reviewed and validated through a quality assurance 

process to ensure scientific accuracy. The results show the public and 

emergency responders should avoid contact with the standing water and are 

publicly available at the EPA website - http://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 asbestoscontaining debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings.

Recovery - EPA discontinued search and rescue operations in LA on 9/9 to 

focus on environmental response activities. Approximately, 793 rescues have 

been made by EPA in LA.

Drinking Water Assessment - EPA continues assessment of damage to 

local drinking systems and providing technical assistance to help restore 

service in AL, MS, and LA. Many systems were disabled or impaired by loss 

of electrical power, and some are now operating under boiled water notices. 

The total number of systems that remain affected is 4 in AL , 433 in MS, and 

468 in LA. EPA has two mobile laboratories in MS and two in LA.

Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater 

treatment facilities in LA and MS. EPA estimates the number of wastewater 

treatment facilities affected is now 114 in LA and 9 in MS. All wastewater 

systems in AL are operating normally.

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Air Surveillance - EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is 

being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/7, ASPECT 

conducted overflights of railroad yards. Current plans are being developed for 

using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys. These surveys will be 

conducted due to concerns over potential radiological sources from 

universities and hospitals. EPA and state officials continue to collect air 

quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-theground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the 

coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New 

Orleans and surrounding area continue.

Incident Management Team - On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing of a second 

full Incident Management Team (IMT) began mobilization to LA. On 9/2 EPA 

deployed a 17 person IMT to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and 

manage EPA’s field operations.

Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) - EPA 

has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge , LA and Jackson , MS to 

consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the 

hurricane.

Fuel Waivers - On 9/9, EPA extended a limited waiver from the reformulated 

gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond , VA , 

metropolitan area through 9/23. In consultation with DOE, we are closely 

monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for waivers in other 

areas. On 9/9, EPA extended Georgia ’s request to waive its state sulfur 

requirement through 10/5 which required clean burning gasoline to be sold in 

the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel shortages 

across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA granted a 

nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, carriers 

and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet 

standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15.

Hazardous Waste Disposal - On 9/10, EPA will begin setting up household 

hazardous waste collection centers for each affected Parish in LA. EPA 

personnel continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous 

waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams are working closely 

with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential oil spills and 

chemical releases caused by the hurricane.

Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for 

residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific 

expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, 

especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household 

hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged 

buildings.

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the 

Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call 

Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the 

aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Training for the call center volunteers began 

on September 8th. 

top of page

EPA Response Activity - September 9

EPA emergency response personnel are working in partnership with FEMA to 

help assess the damage and prepare for cleanup from Katrina. In emergency 

situations such as this, EPA serves as the lead Agency for the cleanup of 

hazardous materials, including oil and gasoline. Our national and regional 

Emergency Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day. 

Recovery - EPA will discontinue search and rescue operations in LA effective 

9/9 to focus on environmental response activities. Approximately, 793 

rescues have been made by EPA in LA. Forty-two EPA water craft are 

currently available for rescue and environmental assessment efforts. 

Flood Water Analysis - At a news conference with CDC on 9/7, 

Administrator Johnson released initial sampling results of New Orleans flood 

waters from six locations. Preliminary information indicates that counts for E. 

Coli in sampled areas greatly exceed EPA's recommended levels for contact. 

Also lead concentrations exceeded drinking water action levels which would 

be a concern if the flood water was a child's source of drinking water. Given 

these preliminary results, emergency response personnel and the public 

should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. Collection of 

flood water samples began 9/3 in downtown New Orleans . Samples were 

shipped to a Houston lab and a local lab in Lafayette, LA for analysis. Daily 

sampling is ongoing. 

Public Advisories - On 9/6, EPA and HHS issued an advisory cautioning the 

public and all responders about the possible hazards of flood waters due to 

potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and 

other hazardous materials. On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public 

urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestoscontaining debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings. 

Drinking Water Assessment - EPA continues assessment of damage to 

local drinking systems and providing technical assistance to help restore 

service in AL, MS, and LA. Many systems were disabled or impaired by loss 

of electrical power, and some are now operating under boiled water notices. 

The total number of systems that remain affected is 73 in AL, 555 in MS, and 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/activities.html (9 of 31)9/13/2005 11:32:59 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

469 in LA. EPA has two mobile laboratories in MS and two in LA. 

 Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater 

treatment facilities in LA and MS. EPA estimates the number of wastewater 

treatment facilities affected is now 114 in LA and 9 in MS. All wastewater 

systems in AL are operating normally. 

Air Surveillance - EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is 

being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/7, ASPECT 

conducted overflights of railroad yards. Current plans are being developed for 

using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys. These surveys will be 

conducted due to concerns over potential radiological sources from 

universities and hospitals. EPA and state officials continue to collect air 

quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-theground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the 

coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New 

Orleans and surrounding area continue. 

Incident Management Team - On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing of a second 

full Incident Management Team (IMT) began mobilization to LA. On 9/2 EPA 

deployed a 17 person IMT to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and 

manage EPA's field operations. 

Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) - EPA 

has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and Jackson, MS to 

consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the 

hurricane. 

Fuel Waivers - On 9/2, EPA granted a limited waiver from the reformulated 

gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond, VA, 

metropolitan area through 9/9. In consultation with DOE, we are closely 

monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for waivers in other 

areas. On 9/1, EPA granted Georgia 's request to waive its state sulfur 

requirement through 9/15 which required clean burning gasoline to be sold in 

the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel shortages 

across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA granted a 

nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, carriers 

and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet 

standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15. 

Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to offer technical 

assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by 

the storm. EPA will commence some household hazardous waste collection 

in LA. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct 

assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the 

hurricane. 

Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for 

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residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific 

expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, 

especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household 

hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged 

buildings. 

Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the 

Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call 

Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the 

aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Training for the call center volunteers began 

on September 8th. 

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EPA Response Activity - September 8

EPA emergency response personnel are working in partnership with FEMA to 

help assess the damage and prepare for cleanup from Katrina. In emergency 

situations such as this, EPA serves as the lead Agency for the cleanup of 

hazardous materials, including oil and gasoline. Our national and regional 

Emergency Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day.

Recovery - EPA anticipates conducting limited search and rescue operations 

in LA on 9/8. Food and water were distributed and an additional 12 people 

were rescued. Approximately, 787 rescues have been made by EPA in LA. 

Thirty-three EPA water craft are currently available for rescue and 

environmental assessment efforts. EPA will discontinue search and rescue 

operations in LA effective 9/9 to focus on environmental response activities. 

Drinking Water Assessment - EPA estimates the number of water systems 

affected is 73 in AL, 555 in MS and 469 in LA. In AL, many water systems 

were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power. Three systems in AL 

currently have boil water advisories. Two of these systems are awaiting 

sample results. The other system is running on emergency power. EPA 

continues its assessment of damage to local drinking water systems in MS, 

and provides technical assistance to help restore safe drinking water to those 

systems. EPA has two mobile laboratories in MS assisting the state 

Department of Public Health in drinking water analysis. The mobile labs 

became operational on 9/8. Boil water notices issued have increased from 

404 to 464 water systems in MS. Samples from these systems will be 

analyzed for total fecal coliform bacteria before the systems restore service . 

EPA is assisting the LA Department of Health and Hospitals in assessing 

drinking water and has deployed 35 more EPA personnel to LA this week. 

There are approximately 378 drinking water systems that are not in operation 

in LA with another 48 systems on a boil water notice. In LA, one EPA mobile 

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lab is currently testing drinking water samples and providing analytical data. 

An additional mobile lab is expected to arrive this week in LA. 

Public Advisories - On 9/6, EPA and HHS issued an advisory cautioning the 

public and all responders about the possible hazards of flood waters due to 

potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and 

other hazardous materials. On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public 

urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestoscontaining debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings. 

Flood Water Analysis - At a news conference with CDC on 9/7, 

Administrator Johnson released initial sampling results of New Orleans flood 

waters from six locations. Preliminary information indicates that counts for E. 

Coli in sampled areas greatly exceed EPA's recommended levels for contact. 

Also lead concentrations exceeded drinking water action levels which would 

be a concern if the flood water was a child's source of drinking water. Given 

these preliminary results, emergency response personnel and the public 

should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. Collection of 

flood water samples began 9/3 in downtown New Orleans . Samples were 

shipped to a Houston lab and a local lab in Lafayette, LA for analysis. Daily 

sampling is ongoing.

Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater 

treatment facilities in LA, MS and AL. EPA estimates the number of 

wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 13 in AL, 114 in LA and 45 in 

MS. 

Air Surveillance - EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is 

being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/7, ASPECT 

conducted overflights of railroad yards. Current plans are being developed for 

using this aircraft to conduct radiological surveys. These surveys will be 

conducted due to concerns over potential radiological sources from 

universities and hospitals. EPA and state officials continue to collect air 

quality information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-theground inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the 

coming weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New 

Orleans and surrounding area continue. 

Incident Management Team - On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing of a second 

full Incident Management Team (IMT) began mobilization to LA. On 9/2 EPA 

deployed a 17 person IMT to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and 

manage EPA's field operations. 

Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) - EPA 

has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and Jackson, MS to 

consult with all EPA staff conducting field operations in areas impacted by the 

hurricane. 

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Fuel Waivers - On 9/2, EPA granted a limited waiver from the reformulated 

gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond, VA, 

metropolitan area through 9/9. In consultation with DOE, we are closely 

monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for waivers in other 

areas. On 9/1, EPA granted Georgia 's request to waive its state sulfur 

requirement through 9/15 which required clean burning gasoline to be sold in 

the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel shortages 

across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA granted a 

nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, carriers 

and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet 

standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15. 

Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to offer technical 

assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by 

the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct 

assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the 

hurricane. 

Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for 

residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific 

expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, 

especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household 

hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged 

buildings. 

Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the 

Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call 

Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the 

aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The call center is anticipated to be operational 

on September 8th. 

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EPA Response Activity - September 7

At a news conference with CDC on 9/7, Administrator Johnson released initial 

sampling results of New Orleans flood waters from six locations. Preliminary 

information indicates that counts for E. Coli in sampled areas greatly exceed 

EPA's recommended levels for contact. Also lead concentrations exceeded 

drinking water action levels, which would be a concern if the flood water was 

a child's source of drinking water. Given these preliminary results, emergency 

response personnel and the public should avoid direct contact with standing 

water when possible. Collection of flood water samples began 9/3 in 

downtown New Orleans . Samples were shipped to a Houston lab and a local 

lab in Lafayette, LA for analysis. Daily sampling is ongoing. 

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Recovery - EPA search and rescue operations continue. Food and water 

were distributed and an additional 5 people were rescued. Approximately, 

775 rescues have been made by EPA in LA. Sixty EPA water craft are 

currently available for rescue efforts. 

Public Advisories - On 9/6, EPA and HHS issued an advisory cautioning the 

public and all responders about the possible hazards of flood waters due to 

potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and 

other hazardous materials. On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public 

urging caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestoscontaining debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings. 

Water Assessment - EPA estimates the number of water systems affected 

by the hurricane is now 73 in AL, 555 in MS and 469 in LA. In AL, many water 

systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power. Five systems 

in AL currently have boil water advisories. EPA continues its assessment of 

damage to local drinking water systems in MS, and provides technical 

assistance to help restore safe drinking water to those systems. EPA sent two 

mobile laboratories to MS to assist the state Department of Public Health in 

drinking water analysis. The labs are expected to be operational on 

September 8, 2005 . Boil water notices have been issued to 404 water 

systems in MS. Samples from these systems will be analyzed for total fecal 

coliform bacteria before the systems restore service. EPA is assisting the LA 

Department of Health and Hospitals in assessing drinking water and will 

deploy 35 more EPA personnel to LA during this week. There are 

approximately 378 drinking water systems that are not in operation in LA with 

another 48 systems on a boil water notice. In LA, one EPA mobile lab is 

currently testing drinking water samples and providing analytical data. An 

additional mobile lab is expected to arrive this week in LA. 

Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater 

treatment facilities in LA, MS and AL. EPA estimates the number of 

wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 13 in AL, 114 in LA and 45 in 

MS. 

Air Surveillance - EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is 

being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/4, a large oil spill 

was surveyed in Chalmette, LA (Murphy Oil). A 250,000 barrel tank 

containing 85,000 barrels of oil released beyond secondary containment and 

extended into a residential area. The company and its contractors are 

working with EPA and the Coast Guard to repair the storage tank, contain the 

oil and begin cleanup. EPA and state officials continue to collect air quality 

information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-the-ground 

inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the coming 

weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New Orleans and 

surrounding area continue. 

Incident Management Team (IMT) - On 9/2 EPA deployed a 17 person 

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Incident Management Team (IMT) to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA 

officials and manage EPA's field operations. On 9/6, EPA personnel staffing 

of a second full IMT began mobilization to LA. 

Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team - EPA 

has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and will deploy two 

CISM Team members to Jackson, MS on 9/7 to consult with all EPA staff 

conducting field operations in areas impacted by the hurricane. 

Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to offer technical 

assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by 

the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct 

assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the 

hurricane. 

Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for 

residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific 

expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, 

especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household 

hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged 

buildings. 

Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the 

Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call 

Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the 

aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The call center is anticipated to be operational 

on September 8th. 

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EPA Response Activity - September 6

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services are cautioning the public and all responders 

about the potential hazards associated with flood waters. Every effort should 

be made to limit contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of 

contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous substances. 

EPA has collected and sent New Orleans flood water samples to labs in 

Lafayette, LA and Houston, TX for analysis. Daily sampling is ongoing, and 

test results are expected later this week. 

Recovery - EPA search and rescue operations continue. Food and water 

were distributed and an additional 120 people were rescued. Approximately, 

770 rescues have been made by EPA in LA. Sixty-five EPA watercraft are 

currently available for rescue efforts.

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Public Advisory - On 9/4, EPA issued an advisory to the public urging 

caution when disposing of household hazardous waste and asbestoscontaining debris from storm-damaged homes and other buildings. The 

advisory was issued as a press release from EPA headquarters and regions 

4 and 6. 

Water Assessment - EPA estimates the number of water systems affected 

by the hurricane is now 73 in AL, 555 in MS and 469 in LA. In AL, many water 

systems were disabled or impaired by loss of electrical power. Eight systems 

in AL currently have boil water advisories. EPA is continuing its assessment 

of damage to local drinking water systems in MS, and providing technical 

assistance to help restore safe drinking water to those systems. Boil water 

notices have been issued to 404 water systems in MS. Samples from these 

systems will be analyzed for total fecal coliform bacteria before the systems 

restore service. EPA is assisting the LA Department of Health and Hospitals 

in assessing drinking water and will deploy 30 more EPA personnel to LA 

during this week. There are approximately 378 drinking water systems that 

are not in operation in LA with another 48 systems on a boil water notice.

Wastewater Treatment Facilities - EPA continues to assess wastewater 

treatment facilities in LA, MS and AL. EPA estimates the number of 

wastewater treatment facilities affected is now 13 in AL, 114 in LA and 85 in 

MS.

Air Surveillance - EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft (ASPECT) is 

being used to assess spills and chemical releases. On 9/4, a large oil spill 

was surveyed in Chalmette, LA (Murphy Oil). A 250,000 barrel tank 

containing 85,000 barrels of oil released beyond secondary containment and 

extended into a residential area. The company and its contractors are 

working with EPA and the Coast Guard to repair the storage tank, contain the 

oil and begin cleanup. EPA and state officials continue to collect air quality 

information from daily aerial helicopter inspections of facilities. On-the-ground 

inspections of these facilities will provide additional information in the coming 

weeks. Air assessments of spills and chemicals releases in New Orleans and 

surrounding area continued via helicopter on 9/5.

Incident Management Team (IMT) - On 9/2 EPA deployed a 17 person 

Incident Management Team to Baton Rouge to integrate with LA officials and 

manage EPA’s field operations. Deployment of a second full IMT to the LA 

area is being coordinated with anticipated mobilization on 9/6.

Peer Support & Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team - EPA 

has deployed CISM team members to Baton Rouge, LA and will deploy two 

CISM Team members to Jackson, MS on 9/7 to consult with all EPA staff 

conducting field operations in areas impacted by the hurricane.

Fuel Waivers - On 9/2, EPA granted a limited waiver from the reformulated 

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gasoline (RFG) requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond, VA, 

metropolitan area through 9/9. In consultation with the Department of Energy, 

we are closely monitoring gasoline supplies as we consider requests for 

waivers in other areas. On 9/1, EPA granted Georgia ’s request to waive its 

state sulfur requirement through 9/15 which required clean burning gasoline 

to be sold in the 45-county area of Atlanta . On 8/31, to alleviate possible fuel 

shortages across the country and to help meet emergency demand, EPA 

granted a nationwide fuel waiver that allows refiners, importers, distributors, 

carriers and retail outlets to supply gasoline and diesel fuels that do not meet 

standards for emissions. The temporary waiver is in effect through 9/15.

Hazardous Waste Disposal - EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer 

technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left 

behind by the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to 

conduct assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by 

the hurricane.

Technical Expertise - EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for 

residences and commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific 

expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, 

especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in the disposal of household 

hazardous waste and asbestos-containing materials from storm-damaged 

buildings.

Emergency Call Center - EPA expects to deploy 30-50 personnel from the 

Region 5 (Chicago) office to assist staffing of the FEMA Emergency Call 

Center that will register people who are applying for federal assistance in the 

aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The call center is anticipated to be operational 

on September 8th. 

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EPA Response Activity - September 5

EPA has mobilized 12 environmental emergency response teams to provide 

assistance with overall search and recovery efforts and is conducting initial 

assessments of the environmental impacts including potential impacts from 

chemical facilities, oil refineries, and water treatment plants. Rapid needs 

assessment is being done to identify damage in New Orleans. EPA and state 

officials are compiling a comprehensive database of potential pollution 

sources in preparation for additional overflights and on-ground inspections in 

the coming weeks.

EPA search and rescue operations continue in the hurricane area. EPA has 

65 boats providing support to local response efforts by moving supplies and 

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conducting search and rescue missions. Yesterday, EPA search and rescue 

missions helped evacuate about 120 persons, bringing the total rescues 

made by EPA to 770. EPA also is helping distribute food and water.

EPA's environmental surveillance aircraft is being used to assess spills and 

chemical releases. On Sept. 4, the aircraft identified a large inland oil spill that 

resulted from a failed storage tank at the Murphy Oil Co. in Chamlette, La.. 

The company and its contractors are working with EPA and Coast Guard 

officials to repair the storage tank, contain the oil and begin cleanup. EPA 

and state officials continue to collect information from daily aerial helicopter 

inspections of facilities in the hurricane area. On-the-ground inspections of 

these facilities will provide additional information during the upcoming weeks. 

EPA planned more sampling today of flood waters in New Orleans. Samples 

already taken are being analyzed at labs in Houston and Lafayette, La. EPA 

has granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a waiver from water discharge 

permits to aid the Corps in pumping out hurricane flood waters.

EPA estimates that 1,223 drinking water systems have been affected by the 

hurricane; 72 in Alabama, 683 in Louisiana and 468 in Mississippi. Systems 

running on generators continue to need additional fuel to stay operational. 

EPA is continuing its assessment of damage to local drinking water systems 

in Mississippi and providing technical assistance to help restore safe drinking 

water to those systems. EPA is sending a mobile laboratory to Mississippi to 

assist the state Department of Public Health in drinking water analysis. Boilwater notices have been issued to 468 water systems in Mississippi. Samples 

from these systems will be analyzed for total coliform bacteria before the 

systems restore service. 

In Alabama, many water systems were disabled or impaired by loss of 

electrical power. Most are again operational, although waiting for test results 

to ensure that the water has been restored to standards safe for public 

consumption. Eight systems in Alabama currently have boil-water advisories. 

EPA reminds residents in areas affected to follow the boil-water advisories in 

place.

EPA and the state of Louisiana are working to restore off-line drinking water 

systems. Over 30 EPA personnel are assisting the state in inspecting local 

drinking water systems. About 100 systems have restored their operations.

To alleviate fuel shortages, EPA has granted several fuel waivers in the wake 

of the hurricane. In consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, EPA 

also is closely monitoring gasoline supplies as it considers requests for 

waivers in other areas. 

EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer technical assistance in the 

disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams 

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are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential 

oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane. EPA will be 

providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. 

EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards 

caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew, and in 

disposal of household hazardous waste and building debris from stormdamaged buildings. EPA is urges the public to exercise caution when reentering hurricane-damaged buildings and take precautions if household 

hazardous waste or asbestos-containing building materials are present.

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EPA Response Activity - September 4 

EPA today issued an advisory urging the public to exercise caution when reentering hurricane-damaged buildings and take precautions if household 

hazardous waste or asbestos-containing building materials are present. 

EPA search and rescue operations continue in the hurricane area. An 

additional 100 people were rescued by EPA yesterday. So far, EPA has 

rescued approximately 650 people in addition to distributing food and water. 

EPA has mobilized 12 environmental emergency response teams to provide 

assistance with overall search and recovery efforts and is conducting initial 

assessments of the environmental impacts including potential impacts from 

chemical facilities, oil refineries, and water treatment plants. Rapid needs 

assessment is being done to identify damage in New Orleans . EPA and state 

officials are compiling a comprehensive database of potential pollution 

sources in preparation for additional overflights and on-ground inspections in 

the coming weeks. 

EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft is being used to assess spills and 

chemical releases. On Sept. 3, the aircraft surveyed the smoke plume of a 

large fire in the New Orleans warehouse district. The survey did not reveal 

any contaminants of undue concern in the smoke. 

EPA has collected six flood water samples in downtown New Orleans . The 

samples have been shipped to labs in Houston and Lafayette, La., for 

analysis. EPA has granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a waiver from 

water discharge permits to aid the Corps in pumping out hurricane flood 

waters.

EPA is assisting the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals in 

assessing drinking water and will deploy 45 more EPA personnel to Louisiana 

during the week of Sept. 5. EPA is providing assistance on water assessment 

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to Mississippi at its emergency operations center and expects to assist with 

site assessments. EPA estimates the number of water systems affected by 

the hurricane is now 72 in Alabama, 683 in Louisiana and 466 in Mississippi . 

Systems running on generators will need additional fuel to stay operational. 

Two EPA mobile laboratories are being deployed to Louisiana to provide 

analytical services as drinking water service is restored to communities.

EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer technical assistance in the 

disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams 

are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential 

oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane. EPA will be 

assessing environmentally safe clearance standards for residences and 

commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the 

environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects 

of molds and mildew, and in disposal of household hazardous waste and 

building debris from storm-damaged buildings. 

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Caution Urged Dealing with Debris and When Re-entering 

Hurricane-Damaged Homes and Buildings - September 4

The U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency and other federal, state and local 

officials are urging individuals to use 

caution when returning to hurricanedamaged homes and buildings. EPA 

today issued an advisory to the public 

that provides general guidance to help 

address potential hazards in structures 

damaged by hurricane Katrina.

EPA urges the public to be on the alert 

for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, like caustic drain 

cleaners and chlorine bleach, and take the following necessary precautions to 

prevent injury or further damage: 

● Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals. 

● Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers as this 

may produce dangerous or violent reactions. 

● Do not dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers or toilets. 

● Do not attempt to burn household chemicals. 

● Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be 

properly disposed of 

● Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed 

whenever possible.

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Individuals should exercise caution when disturbing building materials to 

prevent physical injury or other health effects. Building materials may contain 

hazardous materials such as asbestos that when carried by the air can be 

breathed in and cause adverse health effects. If it is suspected that asbestos 

containing materials may be present, they should not be disturbed. Asbestos 

containing materials include the following: 

● boiler/pipe insulation 

● fireproofing 

● floor tiles 

● asbestos roofing 

● transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in 

auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths 

Federal, state and local personnel are being deployed to the hurricaneaffected areas to establish debris-management programs, including 

household hazardous waste collection and disposal programs. These efforts 

may take days or weeks to come to all communities. In the meantime, EPA 

urges the public to exercise caution and report concerns to local 

environmental, health and waste disposal authorities. 

For more information, the public can go to http://www.fema.gov/regions/iii/env/

debris.shtm. Government officials can get information on managing hurricane 

debris at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/disaster/disaster.txt.

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EPA Response Activity - September 3 

EPA boat operations in New Orleans, which had been halted temporarily, 

resumed with an additional 50 people rescued. Approximately 550 rescues 

have been made by EPA. 

EPA is assisting the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals in 

assessing drinking water and will deploy 45 more EPA personnel to Louisiana 

during the week of Sept. 5. EPA is providing assistance on water assessment 

to Mississippi at its emergency operations center and expects to assist with 

site assessments. EPA estimates the number of water systems affected by 

the hurricane is now 72 in Alabama, 436 in Louisiana and 466 in Mississippi. 

Systems running on generators will need additional fuel to stay operational. 

An EPA mobile laboratory will be deployed next week to provide analytical 

services as drinking water service is restored to communities.

EPA is continuing collection and analysis of flood water samples for biological 

and chemical contaminants in Louisiana. 

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EPA has mobilized 12 environmental emergency response teams to provide 

assistance with overall search and recovery efforts and is conducting initial 

assessments of the environmental impacts including potential impacts from 

chemical facilities, oil refineries, and water treatment plants. Rapid needs 

assessment is being done over the next two days to identify damage in New 

Orleans. EPA and state officials are compiling a comprehensive database of 

potential pollution sources in preparation for additional over-flights and onground inspections in the coming weeks.

EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft is being used to assess spills and 

chemical releases. On Sept. 2, the aircraft surveyed the smoke plume of a 

fire at a reported chemical facility. Low levels of chemical compounds were 

detected in air.

EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer technical assistance in the 

disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. Teams 

are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of potential 

oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane. EPA will be 

providing environmental guidelines for residences and commercial buildings. 

EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards 

caused by flood waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew. 

EPA emergency response personnel are working in partnership with FEMA to 

continue to help assess the damage and prepare for cleanup in the wake of 

Hurricane Katrina. EPA is responsible for cleanup of hazardous material 

including oil and gasoline in the area. Our national and regional Emergency 

Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day.

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EPA Response Activity - September 2 

EPA today began collecting and analyzing flood water samples in Louisiana 

for biological and chemical contaminants. EPA estimates 684 drinking water 

systems have been affected by the hurricane: 72 in Alabama,, 434 in 

Louisiana and 178 in Mississippi. Systems running on generators will need 

additional fuel to stay operational. EPA’s mobile laboratory is in Baton Rouge 

providing technical analysis to help drinking water systems restore service. 

EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft, ASPECT, is being used to assess 

spills and chemical releases. The ASPECT plane was deployed today to 

assess a chemical fire in New Orleans. The plane flew 4 passes over the 

facility at 3000' altitude. Results show that although the smoke plume from 

the fire was very large and very visible, very little chemical contamination was 

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detected in the plume. Very low levels (less than 10 ppm) of ethylene, 

methanol, chlorinated methane (Freon 22), and possibly isoprene were 

detected. These chemicals were detected only directly over the fire and have 

not been detected downwind..

The Army Corps of Engineers has requested EPA provide 50 personnel to 

perform environmental assessments of construction sites for temporary 

housing efforts. EPA personnel continue to oversee and offer technical 

assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by 

the storm. Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct 

assessments of potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the 

hurricane. EPA will be providing environmental guidelines for residences and 

commercial buildings. EPA has practical and scientific expertise in the 

environmental health hazards caused by flood waters, especially the effects 

of molds and mildew.

With 69 EPA watercraft available for rescue efforts, approximately 500 

rescues have been made by EPA. Boat operations have been discontinued, 

however, until the Federal Emergency Management Agency deems it safe to 

resume them. 

EPA emergency response personnel are working in partnership with the 

FEMA to continue to help assess the damage and prepare for cleanup in the 

wake of Hurricane Katrina. EPA is responsible for cleanup of hazardous 

material including oil and gasoline in the area. EPA's national and regional 

Emergency Operations Centers are activated 24 hours a day 

Beginning today, EPA expects to deploy an incident management team to 

Baton Rouge to integrate with Louisiana officials and manage EPA’s mission. 

EPA has mobilized 12 environmental emergency response teams to provide 

assistance with overall search and recovery efforts and conduct initial 

assessments of environmental impacts, including potential impacts from 

chemical facilities, oil refineries, and water treatment plants.

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EPA Response Activity - September 1 

EPA emergency response personnel are working in partnership with the 

Federal Emergency Management Agency to continue to help assess the 

damage and prepare for cleanup in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. EPA is 

responsible for cleanup of hazardous materials including oil and gasoline in 

the area. EPA employees have been deployed to the region to assist with 

assessment and cleanup. Our national and regional Emergency Operations 

Centers are currently operating 24 hours a day.

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EPA has mobilized 12 environmental emergency response teams to the 

affected areas in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. These teams are 

providing assistance with overall “search and recovery” efforts and are 

conducting initial assessments of the environmental impacts of Hurricane 

Katrina, including potential impacts from chemical facilities, oil refineries and 

water treatment plants. EPA is operating 69 watercraft to the area to support 

the rescue efforts. EPA's New Orleans response team has helped in over 200 

rescues using watercraft. EPA’s environmental surveillance aircraft is being 

used to assess spills and chemical releases along the coasts of Alabama, 

Louisiana and Mississippi.

EPA teams are currently assessing, evaluating, and supporting drinking water 

and wastewater facilities in the hurricane area. EPA estimates that the 

number of water systems affected by the hurricane is 60 in Alabama, 290 in 

Louisiana and 130 in Mississippi. Those systems that are running on 

generators will need additional fuel to stay operational. EPA is sending its 

mobile laboratory to Baton Rouge today to provide technical analysis to help 

drinking water systems restore service. EPA also is coordinating a multi-state 

water-quality-testing analytical network to aid systems in recovering.

EPA personnel are overseeing and offering technical assistance in the 

disposal of hazardous materials and other debris left behind by the storm. 

Teams are working closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of 

potential oil spills and chemical releases caused by the hurricane. EPA's 

debris task force is preparing a debris management plan and evaluating 

landfill conditions and capacity in the hurricane area. 

Environmentally safe clearance standards for the re-occupation of residences 

and commercial buildings will be established by EPA. EPA has practical and 

scientific expertise in the environmental health hazards caused by flood 

waters, especially the effects of molds and mildew.

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EPA Response Activity - August 31 

EPA emergency response personnel continue to help assess damage and 

prepare for cleanup in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. EPA is 

responsible for cleaning up releases of oil and other hazardous materials in 

the area. Currently our efforts continue to be focused on aiding the priority for 

'search and rescue' efforts in affected areas.

We are coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 

US Coast Guard, and other federal and state agencies. Our emergency 

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

operations centers are in operation and our staff is working in national and 

regional interagency response coordination centers. Response efforts are 

now underway 24 hours a day.

In Mississippi and Alabama:

EPA has staged 7 assessment teams in Alabama to assess affected areas in 

both Alabama and Mississippi and 3 assessment teams in Mississippi. We 

are coordinating closely with the Coast Guard to conduct assessments of 

potential spills and releases. A Water Division Assistance Team has been 

deployed to Mississippi to assess damage to local drinking water systems 

and help restore the systems to deliver safe drinking water in the affected 

areas.

We are planning to deploy Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental 

Collection Technology (ASPECT) airplane over Mississippi to conduct overflight assessments of spills and chemical releases.

In Louisiana: 

EPA has mobilized 4 response teams to Louisiana and has provided boats to 

the affected areas to assist with search and rescue.

EPA is preparing to deploy personnel to assist the Louisiana Department of 

Health and Human Services to assist drinking water supply systems as they 

restore healthy water supplies to communities. EPA is evaluating the need for 

chlorine to restore systems in Louisiana. 'Boil Water' notices are likely to 

remain in effect even after supplies are restored, as many systems may face 

long-term repairs to their distribution systems. EPA is currently working on 

waivers for the treatment and discharge of flood waters.

Our Baton Rouge team is coordinating with local federal/state response 

planning entities, the State of Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality 

to prepare plans for future removal of debris and disposal.

Yesterday, EPA deployed our ASPECT airplane over Baton Rouge and New 

Orleans to conduct over-flight assessments of spills as well as possible 

airborne chemical releases. The aircraft was scheduled to conduct 

assessments of 4 areas beginning near Baton Rouge and continuing south 

and east past the New Orleans area. Details of the assessment are pending.

EPA staff is standing by around the country to travel where needed to aid the 

overall federal effort. We are evaluating our laboratory capacity for analyzing 

floodwaters and are considering how to remove polluted floodwaters.

We will release information from environmental assessments as it becomes 

available.

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

top of page

Nationwide fuel waiver issued to bolster fuel supplies

Emergency fuel waivers issued nationwide Aug 31 - In order to increase 

the supply of gasoline and minimize potential gasoline supply disruptions 

caused by Hurricane Katrina, EPA is waiving the requirement to sell "summer 

gasoline" which contains a lower volatility limit. This action has the effect of 

allowing early use of wintertime gasoline. EPA is also allowing the use of 

diesel fuel which exceeds 500 ppm sulfur content. Both waivers are effective 

immediately and will continue through September 15th of this year and are 

applicable throughout all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of 

Columbia.

Remarks by Administrator Stephen L. Johnson 

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 

Thank you very much. Today, I am exercising my authority under the Clean 

Air Act to temporarily waive specific standards for gasoline and diesel fuels to 

ensure that the Hurricane Katrina natural disaster does not result in serious 

fuel supply interruptions around the country.

As we are all well aware, we are seeing increasingly serious impacts from the 

hurricane in a number of fuel markets around the United States. Yesterday 

afternoon I exercised this authority with respect to four states: Louisiana, 

Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. It has become clear that the consequences 

of the hurricane have become more widespread. So today, I’m sending letters 

to the governors of the remaining 46 states and territories providing 

temporary relief from volatility and sulfur standards. This action will result in a 

needed increase in fuel supply.

These waivers are necessary to ensure that fuel is available throughout the 

country to address public health issues and emergency vehicle supply needs. 

Under the Clean Air Act emergency authority, I am making the waivers 

effective through September 15, 2005. These waivers only apply to volatility 

standards - the rate at which fuel evaporates - and the amount of sulfur in 

fuel. 

EPA is committed to working with our state and federal partners to address 

this extraordinary national disaster. 

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Thank you very much.

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EPA Response Activity - August 30

EPA emergency response personnel are helping assess damage and 

prepare for cleanup in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. We are 

responsible for cleaning up releases of oil and other hazardous materials in 

the area.

We are coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 

US Coast Guard, and other federal and state agencies. Our emergency 

operations centers are operating, and our staff are working in national and 

regional interagency response coordination centers. Response efforts are 

now underway 24 hours a day.

We have committed $500,000 for initial field efforts in each state of Florida, 

Alabama, and Mississippi. Three EPA teams are traveling each are traveling 

to Alabama and Mississippi. The Alabama teams are meeting in Mobile. The 

Mississippi teams are meeting in Hattiesburg and moving toward the coastal 

areas of Gulf Shores and Biloxi as those areas become accessible. Another 

team is in Mississippi to assess damage to and help repair local drinking 

water systems. Mobile command centers in each state provide local office 

space and equipment to coordinate efforts. Recreational vehicles are being 

sent as needed to provide temporary staff housing.

In addition to ground teams, an EPA on-scene coordinator flew with the Coast 

Guard on August 30 to assess coastal Alabama and Mississippi. They are 

examining industrial facilities, water treatment plants, and power plants.

In Louisana, flooding has prevented EPA teams from reaching the affected 

areas, so our efforts are limited to aerial inspections. Our Airborne Spectral 

Photometric Environmental Collection Technology (ASPECT) airplane is 

flying over Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Initially, the flight plan will cover 

from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, New Orleans to the Delta, the Delta north, 

and the Delta West. The crew's primary goal is to examine oil and chemical 

facilities, but they will also look at other buildings in the area.

Aerial inspections may take several days to complete. Communication with 

our field teams during this period is extremely limited.

Additional EPA staff are standing by around the country to travel where 

needed.

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

We are evaluating our laboratory capacity for analyzing floodwaters. In 

addition, we are considering how to remove polluted floodwaters.

We will release information from environmental assessments as it becomes 

available.

Information from EPA's Atlanta office (covering Alabama, Florida, and 

Mississippi)

Information from EPA's Dallas office (covering Lousiana)

Alabama Department of Emergency Management

Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

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EPA grants emergency fuel waiver for Florida, Louisiana, 

Alabama and Mississippi

Aug 30 - EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson has determined that the 

impact of Hurricane Katrina created an “extreme and unusual fuel supply 

circumstance” in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The situation 

will prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of fuel to consumers that is 

compliant with the Clean Air Act. This is “a natural disaster, that could not 

reasonably have been foreseen or prevented and not attributable to a lack of 

prudent planning on the part of the suppliers of the fuel to these affected 

States,” according to a fuel waiver granted to the states by the EPA today.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA will temporarily allow all parties in the fuel 

distribution system, including refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and 

retail outlets (regulated parties) to supply gasoline meeting a Reid Vapor 

Pressure (RVP) standard of 9.0 psi in areas of the affected states where 

a lower RVP is required.

Further, because of the expected shortage of motor vehicle diesel fuel 

meeting the 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur standard, EPA will temporarily 

allow regulated parties to supply motor vehicle diesel fuel to affected 

states having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm.

This waiver is effective immediately and will continue through the remainder 

of the high-ozone period, through Sept. 15, 2005. However, retail outlets or 

wholesale purchaser-consumers that receive motor vehicle diesel fuel having 

a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm, under the terms of this waiver may 

continue selling or dispensing this fuel after Sept. 15, 2005, until their 

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

supplies are depleted. 

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Spill Notification

Aug 29 - As business and industry officials return to their facilities in the wake 

of Hurricane Katrina, the EPA reminds them to report spills to the National 

Response Center. The Center is integral to these facilities’ long-established 

procedures in preparedness and planning for natural disasters like 

hurricanes. The Center serves as the sole point of contact for reporting all oil, 

chemical, radiological and biological releases in the United States. 

Industries and businesses that encounter spills or discharges in the 

hurricane’s aftermath should contact the Center immediately at (800) 424-

8802 or (202) 267-2675. The Center is available to take calls 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

The Center supplies EPA’s response personnel with incident reports of oil 

discharges and chemical releases. This information helps EPA determine the 

Agency’s next steps in responding to the natural disaster. The information 

from the Center’s reports, coupled with the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency’s Rapid Needs Assessment, will help EPA ensure the protection of 

public health and the environment. EPA also coordinates with state and local 

agencies to support the affected communities. 

An additional emergency response tool is the ASPECT plane, which was 

developed through a partnership between EPA and the U.S. Department of 

Defense. ASPECT, or Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental 

Collection Technology, is operated by EPA and provides emergency 

responders with information on possible chemical releases. The ASPECT 

plane provides near-real-time data to first reponders on the ground. EPA 

anticipates deploying the plane as soon as conditions allow.

EPA will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Reporters 

should contact the EPA Press Office at (214) 665-2200 for interviews and 

additional information.

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Helping states manage fuel supplies 

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

As of August 29, 3:00 p.m., Florida has been the only state to send a formal 

request to EPA for assistance in managing fuel supplies in areas affected by 

Hurricane Katrina.

In response to a request from the Florida Department of Environmental 

Protection (Florida DEP) last week, EPA notified Florida DEP that EPA will 

exercise its enforcement discretion to allow regulated parties to supply 

gasoline with a Reid Vapor Pressure up to 9.0 psi through midnight Tuesday, 

August 30, 2005. Additionally, EPA will exercise its enforcement discretion to 

allow regulated parties to supply motor vehicle diesel fuel meeting the 500 

ppm sulfur standard through Friday, September 2, 2005, in counties affected 

by Katrina.

EPA will continue to monitor Hurricane Katrina and to work closely with the 

states impacted by the hurricane.

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EPA Prepares for Hurricane Katrina 

Aug 28 - In response to FEMA's call for help, EPA has activated its response 

network and has personnel at the FEMA center in Denton, Texas, the State 

of Louisiana command center in Baton Rouge, the Mississippi Emergency 

Operations Center in Jackson, and the Alabama Emergency Operations 

Center in Clinton. EPA is responsible for coordinating work to address oil and 

chemical spills in the area.

Once safe travel into the impacted area is possible, EPA will deploy additional 

response members to help ensure measures to protect public health and the 

environment can be taken quickly. In the wake of a natural disaster, EPA 

assists state and local authorities in conducting aerial and ground 

surveillance to evaluate potential problems involving oil and hazardous 

chemicals. 

Last year, EPA deployed about 150 Response Support Corps members from 

across the country to Florida to help the disaster victims. EPA went door-todoor in the disaster-affected communities to disseminate information about 

available disaster assistance. 

Created in 2003 to enhance EPA’s emergency preparedness, the Response 

Support Corps is a pool of several hundred employees from across the 

country to provide assistance during emergency response.

top of page

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Hurricane Katrina Response 

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EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Health issues 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

Current activities

Health issues

 Mold

 West Nile virus 

Water Issues

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General information 

 about hurricanes

Health issues

 

ALERT: Generator 

exhaust is toxic. 

Put generators outside or 

carefully vent the exhaust 

outside because the exhaust 

contains dangerously high 

levels of carbon monoxide 

(CO), a poisonous gas.

It is extremely important, in the 

immediate aftermath of a hurricane and 

also when cleanup begins, to do 

whatever is possible to protect your and 

your family's health. Be certain about 

food and drinking water safety and 

availability. Use appropriate protections 

during cleanup of flooded or 

contaminated areas. More information 

is below. 

Drinking water and food 

● Boiling water information To kill 

all major water-borne bacterial 

pathogens, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Boil 3 minutes 

at elevations above 5280 ft (1 mile or 1.6 km). Getting and disinfecting 

water (fema.gov) 

● Make sure older adults have enough water to drink. Dehydration 

can be life threatening to an elderly person. More info...

● What to do about water from household wells after a flood . Do 

not turn on the pump - danger of electric shock. Do not drink or wash 

with water from the flooded well.

General info about household wells. 

● Keeping food safe during flooding and power outages. Don't test 

the safety of possibly spoiled food by tasting it! (usda.gov) 

Flooding and mold 

● Flood cleanup: dealing with mold: The key to mold control is 

moisture control. After the flood, remove standing water, dry indoor 

areas, and remove wet materials within 24-28 hours. 

● Safely cleaning a flood-damaged home from cdc.gov and Repair your 

flooded home from redcross.org 

● Mold cleanup in schools and commercial buildings. information for 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/healthissues.html (1 of 2)9/13/2005 11:33:00 AM
Health issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for 

commercial building and school maintenance. 

● Gemeral - Mold, moisture, and your home 

❍ Basics 

❍ Cleaning up mold 

❍ What to wear

West Nile virus

● Protect yourself and family members from mosquito bites, which 

can carry West Nile virus. Use a mosquito repellent to reduce bites. 

Drain even small amounts of standing water from outdoor objects 

such as old tires, rain gutters, empty flower pots, or other objects. 

More info...

Coordinated federal health information

● Hurricanes - What you should know. (CDC) 

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EPA: Pesticides - Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus

Pesticides: Topical & Chemical Fact 

Sheets 

Recent Additions | Contact Us | Print Version Search: 

EPA Home > Pesticides > About Pesticides > Fact Sheets > Health and Safety > EPA and 

Mosquito Control > Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus 

Health & Safety

Specific Chemicals

Regulatory Actions

Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus 

Quick 

Resources

Hurricane 

Katrina 

Fight the 

Bite! (CDC) 

Questions 

about 

Pesticides?

National 

Pesticides 

Information 

Center 

 - 1-800-858-

7378 

 - npic@ace.

orst.edu

West Nile Virus is a continuing issue of concern across 

the U.S. In addition to EPA’s role in registering pesticides 

and providing information on mosquito control, 

information on this issue and on pesticide related topics is 

available from the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) and the National Pesticide Information 

Center (NPIC). 

The CDC has a comprehensive Web site about the West 

Nile Virus that provides many resources including 

preventive measures to follow and how to contact local 

and state authorities. Additionally, CDC offers information 

in Spanish about the West Nile Virus. 

NPIC provides objective, science-based information 

about pesticides -- including mosquito repellents and 

insecticides that are used in controlling mosquitoes. NPIC 

also provides information on federal, state, and local 

mosquito control programs. Additionally, the NPIC web 

site offers a West Nile Virus Resource Guide

 with information on West Nile Virus; 

contacts at local, state, and federal agencies; and maps 

and statistics.

West Nile Virus Resources 

Where You Live 

Click on an area of the map or use the dropdown box below to get West Nile Virus 

information for your region.

Pesticides 

and 

Mosquito 

Control

Whenever 

you use 

an insect 

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/westnile.htm (1 of 2)9/13/2005 11:33:02 AM
EPA: Pesticides - Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus

repellent

such as 

DEET or 

an 

insecticide, 

be sure 

to 

carefully 

read and 

follow 

the 

manufacturer's 

DIRECTIONS 

FOR 

USE, as 

printed 

on the pesticide product label. If you have health-related questions or 

concerns about insect repellents or insecticide products used to control 

mosquitoes in and around the home, contact NPIC. For other information 

about pesticides used to control mosquitoes, visit:

● EPA's Role in Mosquito Control - Provides additional information on 

pesticides used in mosquito control

Publications | Glossary | A-Z Index | Jobs

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency - Debris Issues

Hurricane Katrina Response 

Contact Us | Print Version Search: 

EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Debris Issues (and Damaged 

Buildings) 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

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 Mold

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Water Issues

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General information 

 about hurricanes

Debris Issues (and Damaged Buildings) 

 

More: Resources on debris

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency and other federal, state and 

local officials are urging individuals to 

use caution when returning to 

hurricane-damaged homes and 

buildings. EPA today issued an 

advisory to the public that provides 

general guidance to help address 

potential hazards in structures 

damaged by hurricane Katrina.

EPA urges the public to be on the 

alert for leaking containers and 

reactive household chemicals, like 

caustic drain cleaners and chlorine 

bleach, and take the following 

necessary precautions to prevent 

injury or further damage:

● Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals. 

● Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers as this 

may produce dangerous or violent reactions. 

● Do not dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers or toilets. 

● Do not attempt to burn household chemicals. 

● Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be 

properly disposed of 

● Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed 

whenever possible.

Individuals should exercise caution when disturbing building materials to 

prevent physical injury or other health effects. Building materials may contain 

hazardous materials such as asbestos that when carried by the air can be 

breathed in and cause adverse health effects. If it is suspected that asbestos 

containing materials may be present, they should not be disturbed. Asbestos 

containing materials include the following: 

● boiler/pipe insulation 

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency - Debris Issues

● fireproofing 

● floor tiles 

● asbestos roofing 

● transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in 

auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths 

Federal, state and local personnel are being deployed to the hurricaneaffected areas to establish debris-management programs, including 

household hazardous waste collection and disposal programs. These efforts 

may take days or weeks to come to all communities. In the meantime, EPA 

urges the public to exercise caution and report concerns to local 

environmental, health and waste disposal authorities.

EPA resources on debris

● What To Do With Disaster Debris

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/debris.htm

● Planning For Disaster Debris

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/disaster/disaster.htm

or download a printable version (PDF 28 pages 1.6 MB) get PDF 

reader

Other federal resources on debris

● FEMA Site on Debris: http://www.fema.gov/regions/iii/env/debris.shtm

● Louisiana Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness Disaster 

Recovery Site: http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/disrecovery/

disrecovindex.htm

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Hurricane Katrina Response 

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EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Fuel waivers 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

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Water issues

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General information 

 about hurricanes

Fuel waivers 

For copies of the fuel waivers, see Policies and Guidance (Sep 3)

Fuel Waiver Questions and Answers (Sep 2)

Gasoline Waivers for Richmond, VA Area (updated Sep 9)

Gasoline Waivers for Atlanta Area (updated Sep 9)

Nationwide fuel waiver issued to bolster fuel supplies (Aug 31)

EPA grants emergency fuel waiver for Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and 

Mississippi (Aug 30)

Gasoline Waivers for Richmond, VA Area

On Sept. 9, EPA granted a second waiver to extend the Sept. 2 waiver, to 

allow regulated parties to distribute and sell conventional gasoline (CG) in the 

Richmond covered area through midnight on Sept. 23, 2005. Retail outlets 

and wholesale purchaser-consumers will be allowed to continue selling or 

dispensing this fuel after Sept. 23, until their supplies are depleted.

On Sept. 2, EPA granted a limited waiver through Sept. 9 from the 

reformulated gasoline requirement for gasoline sold in the Richmond, Va., 

metropolitan area. In consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, EPA is 

closely monitoring gasoline supplies as it considers requests for waivers in 

other areas. 

top of page

Gasoline Waivers for Atlanta Area

On Sept. 9, EPA granted a second waiver to extend the Atlanta waiver, 

through midnight of October 5, 2005. This extension allows regulated parties 

to distribute and sell gasoline that does not comply with Georgia's federally 

approved state implementation plan in the Atlanta 45-county area from Sept. 

15 through midnight on Oct. 5, 2005. Retail outlets and wholesale purchaserconsumers will be allowed to continue selling or dispensing this fuel after Oct. 

5, until their supplies are depleted.

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Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Acting on a request from the Georgia Department of Environmental 

Protection, EPA has determined that storm-related shortages of gasoline in 

the Atlanta area require a waiver of Georgia’s low-sulfur requirements for 

gasoline under the Clean Air Act that are unique to the metropolitan Atlanta 

area. Refinery and fuel delivery problems caused by Hurricane Katrina on the 

Gulf Coast curtailed supplies of the low-sulfur gasoline required in the 

metropolitan Atlanta area. The EPA will temporarily allow regulated parties to 

produce, import, distribute and sell gasoline that does not comply with 

Georgia’s federally approved state implementation plan, which covers a 45-

county area. These waivers will be in effect until midnight Sept. 15. However, 

retail outlets or wholesale purchase consumers who receive gasoline under 

the waiver may continue selling it or dispensing it until their supplies are 

depleted.

top of page

Nationwide fuel waiver issued to bolster fuel supplies

Emergency fuel waivers issued nationwide Aug 31 - In order to increase 

the supply of gasoline and minimize potential gasoline supply disruptions 

caused by Hurricane Katrina, EPA is waiving the requirement to sell "summer 

gasoline" which contains a lower volatility limit. This action has the effect of 

allowing early use of wintertime gasoline. EPA is also allowing the use of 

diesel fuel which exceeds 500 ppm sulfur content. Both waivers are effective 

immediately and will continue through September 15th of this year and are 

applicable throughout all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of 

Columbia.

Remarks by Administrator Stephen L. Johnson 

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 

Thank you very much. Today, I am exercising my authority under the Clean 

Air Act to temporarily waive specific standards for gasoline and diesel fuels to 

ensure that the Hurricane Katrina natural disaster does not result in serious 

fuel supply interruptions around the country.

As we are all well aware, we are seeing increasingly serious impacts from the 

hurricane in a number of fuel markets around the United States. Yesterday 

afternoon I exercised this authority with respect to four states: Louisiana, 

Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. It has become clear that the consequences 

of the hurricane have become more widespread. So today, I’m sending letters 

to the governors of the remaining 46 states and territories providing 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/waivers.html (2 of 4)9/13/2005 11:33:06 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

temporary relief from volatility and sulfur standards. This action will result in a 

needed increase in fuel supply.

These waivers are necessary to ensure that fuel is available throughout the 

country to address public health issues and emergency vehicle supply needs. 

Under the Clean Air Act emergency authority, I am making the waivers 

effective through September 15, 2005. These waivers only apply to volatility 

standards - the rate at which fuel evaporates - and the amount of sulfur in 

fuel. 

EPA is committed to working with our state and federal partners to address 

this extraordinary national disaster. 

Thank you very much.

top of page

EPA grants emergency fuel waiver for Florida, Louisiana, 

Alabama and Mississippi

Aug 30 - EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson has determined that the 

impact of Hurricane Katrina created an “extreme and unusual fuel supply 

circumstance” in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The situation 

will prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of fuel to consumers that is 

compliant with the Clean Air Act. This is “a natural disaster, that could not 

reasonably have been foreseen or prevented and not attributable to a lack of 

prudent planning on the part of the suppliers of the fuel to these affected 

States,” according to a fuel waiver granted to the states by the EPA today.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA will temporarily allow all parties in the fuel 

distribution system, including refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and 

retail outlets (regulated parties) to supply gasoline meeting a Reid Vapor 

Pressure (RVP) standard of 9.0 psi in areas of the affected states where 

a lower RVP is required.

Further, because of the expected shortage of motor vehicle diesel fuel 

meeting the 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur standard, EPA will temporarily 

allow regulated parties to supply motor vehicle diesel fuel to affected 

states having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm.

This waiver is effective immediately and will continue through the remainder 

of the high-ozone period, through Sept. 15, 2005. However, retail outlets or 

wholesale purchaser-consumers that receive motor vehicle diesel fuel having 

a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm, under the terms of this waiver may 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/waivers.html (3 of 4)9/13/2005 11:33:06 AM
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

continue selling or dispensing this fuel after Sept. 15, 2005, until their 

supplies are depleted. 

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Results > Chemical Testing > September 3, 2005 > Off I-610 near Exit 2A between Paris St and 

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Flood Water Test Results: Chemical 

Testing 

September 3, 2005

Site 6: Off I-610 near Exit 2A between Paris 

St and St. Bernards St

Introduction

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality 

performed chemical sampling of New Orleans flood waters for over one 

hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 

semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, 

herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in 

the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured 

levels are a concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking 

water.

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid 

direct contact with standing water when possible. In the event contact occurs, 

EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed 

areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact 

should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately 

report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem_site6_2005_09_03.html (1 of 8)9/13/2005 11:33:39 AM
Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, 

vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, 

wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with 

certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the 

site of the infection and should see a doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public 

and emergency responders can be found on the Centers for Disease Control 

(CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and 

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://

www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html). 

top of page

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA limits

None.

top of page

Sampled and Found - but not Exceeding EPA limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L) EPA Limit - MCL (ug/L)

1912-24-9 Atrazine 0.158 3

7440-39-3 Barium 152 2000

108-88-3 Toluene 2.4 1000

top of page

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem_site6_2005_09_03.html (2 of 8)9/13/2005 11:33:39 AM
Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

Sampled and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L)

67-64-1 Acetone 14

7440-70-2 Calcium 86200

60-57-1 Dieldrin 0.0167

7439-89-6 Iron 292

7439-95-4 Magnesium 212000

7439-96-5 Manganese 210

75-09-2 Methylene chloride 7.6

7440-09-7 Potassium 94300

7440-23-5 Sodium 1920000

7440-66-6 Zinc 277

top of page

Sampled and Not Found

CASNum Name

71-55-6 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

76-13-1 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane

79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

92-52-4 1,1'-Biphenyl

75-34-3 1,1-Dichloroethane

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

96-12-8 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane

106-93-4 1,2-Dibromoethane

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

78-87-5 1,2-Dichloropropane

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

93-76-5 2,4,5-T

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Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

93-72-1 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

95-95-4 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol

88-06-2 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

94-75-7 2,4-D

94-82-6 2,4-DB

120-83-2 2,4-Dichlorophenol

105-67-9 2,4-Dimethylphenol

51-28-5 2,4-Dinitrophenol

121-14-2 2,4-Dinitrotoluene

606-20-2 2,6-Dinitrotoluene

78-93-3 2-Butanone

91-58-7 2-Chloronaphthalene

95-57-8 2-Chlorophenol

591-78-6 2-Hexanone

91-57-6 2-Methylnaphthalene

95-48-7 2-Methylphenol

88-74-4 2-Nitroaniline

88-75-5 2-Nitrophenol

3 &/or 4-Methylphenol

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine

51-36-5 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid

3-Nitroaniline

4,4'-DDD

4,4'-DDE

4,4'-DDT

534-52-1 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol

101-55-3 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether

59-50-7 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol

106-47-8 4-Chloroaniline

7005-72-3 4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether

108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone

100-01-6 4-Nitroaniline

100-02-7 4-Nitrophenol

83-32-9 Acenaphthene

208-96-8 Acenaphthylene

67-64-1 Acetone

98-86-2 Acetophenone

50594-66-6 Acifluorfen

309-00-2 Aldrin

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Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

319-84-6 alpha-BHC

7429-90-5 Aluminum

120-12-7 Anthracene

7440-36-0 Antimony

12674-11-2 Aroclor-1016

11104-28-2 Aroclor-1221

11141-16-5 Aroclor-1232

53469-21-9 Aroclor-1242

12672-29-6 Aroclor-1248

11097-69-1 Aroclor-1254

11096-82-5 Aroclor-1260

40487-42-1 Arsenic

1912-24-9 Atrazine

25057-89-0 Bentazon

100-52-7 Benzaldehyde

71-43-2 Benzene

56-55-3 Benzo (a) anthracene

50-32-8 Benzo (a) pyrene

205-99-2 Benzo (b) fluoranthene

191-24-2 Benzo (g,h,i) perylene

207-08-9 Benzo (k) fluoranthene

65-85-0 Benzoic acid

100-51-6 Benzyl alcohol

7440-41-7 Beryllium

319-85-7 beta-BHC

111-91-1 Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane

111-44-4 Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether

39638-32-9 Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether

117-81-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

75-27-4 Bromodichloromethane

75-25-2 Bromoform

74-83-9 Bromomethane

85-68-7 Butyl benzyl phthalate

7440-43-9 Cadmium

105-60-2 Caprolactam

86-74-8 Carbazole

1563-66-2 Carbofuran

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride

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12789-03-6 Chlordane (tech)

108-90-7 Chlorobenzene

108-90-7 Chlorobenzene

75-00-3 Chloroethane

67-66-3 Chloroform

74-87-3 Chloromethane

7440-47-3 Chromium

218-01-9 Chrysene

156-59-2 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-01-5 cis-1,3-Dichloropropene

7440-48-4 Cobalt

7440-50-8 Copper

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

68359-37-5 Cyfluthrin

DCPA acid metabolites

319-86-8 delta-BHC

333-41-5 Diazinon

53-70-3 Dibenz (a,h) anthracene

132-64-9 Dibenzofuran

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

1918-00-9 Dicamba

75-71-8 Dichlorodifluoromethane

120-36-5 Dichloroprop

84-66-2 Diethyl phthalate

131-11-3 Dimethyl phthalate

84-74-2 Di-n-butyl phthalate

117-84-0 Di-n-octyl phthalate

88-85-7 Dinoseb

959-98-8 Endosulfan I

33213-65-9 Endosulfan II

1031-07-8 Endosulfan sulfate

72-20-8 Endrin

7421-93-4 Endrin aldehyde

53494-70-5 Endrin ketone

66230-04-4 Esfenvalerate

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

206-44-0 Fluoranthene

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem_site6_2005_09_03.html (6 of 8)9/13/2005 11:33:39 AM
Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

86-73-7 Fluorene

58-89-9 gamma-BHC (Lindane)

76-44-8 Heptachlor

1024-57-3 Heptachlor epoxide

118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene

87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene

77-47-4 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

67-72-1 Hexachloroethane

193-39-5 Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene

78-59-1 Isophorone

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

91465-08-6 lambda-Cyhalothrin

7439-92-1 Lead

7439-97-6 Mercury

meta-/para-Xylene

72-43-5 Methoxychlor

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

298-00-0 Methyl parathion

1634-04-4 Methyl tert-butyl ether

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

75-09-2 Methylene chloride

2212-67-1 Molinate

91-20-3 Naphthalene

7440-02-0 Nickel

98-95-3 Nitrobenzene

621-64-7 N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine

86-30-6 N-Nitrosodiphenylamine

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

40487-42-1 Pendimethalin

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

85-01-8 Phenanthrene

108-95-2 Phenol

1918-02-1 Picloram

129-00-0 Pyrene

7782-49-2 Selenium

7440-22-4 Silver

100-42-5 Styrene

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem_site6_2005_09_03.html (7 of 8)9/13/2005 11:33:39 AM
Chemical Testing; Test Results; Water issues; Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency

100-42-5 Styrene

127-18-4 Tetrachloroethene

7440-28-0 Thallium

108-88-3 Toluene

8001-35-2 Toxaphene

156-60-5 trans-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

79-01-6 Trichloroethene

75-69-4 Trichlorofluoromethane

1582-09-8 Trifluralin

7440-62-2 Vanadium

75-01-4 Vinyl chloride

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September 3, 2005 > Off I-10 near Exit 240B Chef Menteur Highway (US Hwy 90) 

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Flood Water Test Results: Chemical Testing 

September 3, 2005

Site 5: Off I-10 near Exit 240B Chef Menteur Highway (US Hwy 90)

Introduction

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of 

New Orleans flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 

semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls 

(PCBs). Concentrations of lead in the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured 

levels are a concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking water.

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water 

when possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean 

exposed areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and 

avoided where possible. People should immediately report any symptoms to health professionals. The most 

likely symptoms of ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and 

diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with 

water contaminated with certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the 

infection and should see a doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency responders can be 

found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) 

and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/

hurricaneRecovery.html). 

top of page

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

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Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA limits

None.

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Sampled and Found - but not Exceeding EPA limits

CASNum Name Measured Level EPA Limit - MCL (ug/L)

94-75-7 2,4-D 2.58 70

7440-39-3 Barium 249 2000

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Sampled and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level

67-64-1 Acetone 24.5

7429-90-5 Aluminum 730

7440-70-2 Calcium 169000

57-10-3 Hexadecanoic acid 5.7 (estimated)

7439-89-6 Iron 2210

7439-95-4 Magnesium 277000

7439-96-5 Manganese 858

75-09-2 Methylene chloride 6.5

7440-09-7 Potassium 137000

7440-23-5 Sodium 2550000

7440-66-6 Zinc 211

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Sampled and Not Found

CASNum Name

71-55-6 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

76-13-1 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane

79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

92-52-4 1,1'-Biphenyl

75-34-3 1,1-Dichloroethane

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

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96-12-8 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane

106-93-4 1,2-Dibromoethane

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

78-87-5 1,2-Dichloropropane

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

93-76-5 2,4,5-T

93-72-1 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

95-95-4 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol

88-06-2 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

94-82-6 2,4-DB

120-83-2 2,4-Dichlorophenol

105-67-9 2,4-Dimethylphenol

51-28-5 2,4-Dinitrophenol

121-14-2 2,4-Dinitrotoluene

606-20-2 2,6-Dinitrotoluene

78-93-3 2-Butanone

91-58-7 2-Chloronaphthalene

95-57-8 2-Chlorophenol

591-78-6 2-Hexanone

91-57-6 2-Methylnaphthalene

95-48-7 2-Methylphenol

88-75-5 2-Nitrophenol

3 &/or 4-Methylphenol

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine

51-36-5 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid

3-Nitroaniline

4,4'-DDD

4,4'-DDE

4,4'-DDT

534-52-1 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol

101-55-3 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether

59-50-7 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol

106-47-8 4-Chloroaniline

7005-72-3 4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether

108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone

100-01-6 4-Nitroaniline

100-02-7 4-Nitrophenol

83-32-9 Acenaphthene

208-96-8 Acenaphthylene

67-64-1 Acetone

98-86-2 Acetophenone

50594-66-6 Acifluorfen

309-00-2 Aldrin

319-84-6 alpha-BHC

120-12-7 Anthracene

7440-36-0 Antimony

12674-11-2 Aroclor-1016

11104-28-2 Aroclor-1221

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11141-16-5 Aroclor-1232

53469-21-9 Aroclor-1242

12672-29-6 Aroclor-1248

11097-69-1 Aroclor-1254

11096-82-5 Aroclor-1260

40487-42-1 Arsenic

1912-24-9 Atrazine

1912-24-9 Atrazine

25057-89-0 Bentazon

100-52-7 Benzaldehyde

71-43-2 Benzene

71-43-2 Benzene

56-55-3 Benzo (a) anthracene

50-32-8 Benzo (a) pyrene

205-99-2 Benzo (b) fluoranthene

191-24-2 Benzo (g,h,i) perylene

207-08-9 Benzo (k) fluoranthene

65-85-0 Benzoic acid

100-51-6 Benzyl alcohol

7440-41-7 Beryllium

319-85-7 beta-BHC

111-91-1 Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane

111-44-4 Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether

39638-32-9 Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether

117-81-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

75-27-4 Bromodichloromethane

75-25-2 Bromoform

74-83-9 Bromomethane

85-68-7 Butyl benzyl phthalate

7440-43-9 Cadmium

105-60-2 Caprolactam

86-74-8 Carbazole

1563-66-2 Carbofuran

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride

56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride

12789-03-6 Chlordane (tech)

108-90-7 Chlorobenzene

75-00-3 Chloroethane

67-66-3 Chloroform

74-87-3 Chloromethane

7440-47-3 Chromium

218-01-9 Chrysene

156-59-2 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene

156-59-2 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-01-5 cis-1,3-Dichloropropene

7440-48-4 Cobalt

7440-50-8 Copper

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

68359-37-5 Cyfluthrin

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DCPA acid metabolites

319-86-8 delta-BHC

333-41-5 Diazinon

53-70-3 Dibenz (a,h) anthracene

132-64-9 Dibenzofuran

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

1918-00-9 Dicamba

75-71-8 Dichlorodifluoromethane

120-36-5 Dichloroprop

60-57-1 Dieldrin

84-66-2 Diethyl phthalate

131-11-3 Dimethyl phthalate

84-74-2 Di-n-butyl phthalate

117-84-0 Di-n-octyl phthalate

88-85-7 Dinoseb

959-98-8 Endosulfan I

33213-65-9 Endosulfan II

1031-07-8 Endosulfan sulfate

72-20-8 Endrin

7421-93-4 Endrin aldehyde

53494-70-5 Endrin ketone

66230-04-4 Esfenvalerate

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

206-44-0 Fluoranthene

86-73-7 Fluorene

58-89-9 gamma-BHC (Lindane)

76-44-8 Heptachlor

1024-57-3 Heptachlor epoxide

118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene

87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene

77-47-4 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

67-72-1 Hexachloroethane

193-39-5 Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene

78-59-1 Isophorone

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

91465-08-6 lambda-Cyhalothrin

7439-92-1 Lead

7439-97-6 Mercury

meta-/para-Xylene

72-43-5 Methoxychlor

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

298-00-0 Methyl parathion

1634-04-4 Methyl tert-butyl ether

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

75-09-2 Methylene chloride

2212-67-1 Molinate

91-20-3 Naphthalene

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7440-02-0 Nickel

98-95-3 Nitrobenzene

621-64-7 N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine

86-30-6 N-Nitrosodiphenylamine

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

40487-42-1 Pendimethalin

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

85-01-8 Phenanthrene

108-95-2 Phenol

1918-02-1 Picloram

129-00-0 Pyrene

7782-49-2 Selenium

7440-22-4 Silver

100-42-5 Styrene

100-42-5 Styrene

7440-28-0 Thallium

108-88-3 Toluene

8001-35-2 Toxaphene

156-60-5 trans-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

79-01-6 Trichloroethene

75-69-4 Trichlorofluoromethane

75-69-4 Trichlorofluoromethane

1582-09-8 Trifluralin

7440-62-2 Vanadium

75-01-4 Vinyl chloride

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URL: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem_site5_2005_09_03.html 

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Hurricane Katrina Response 

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EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Water issues > Flood Water Test Results > Chemical 

Testing > September 3, 2005 > Off I-10 near Exit 239 Louisa St and Almonaster Ave 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

Current activities

Health issues

 Mold

 West Nile virus 

Water Issues

 Test results

Debris Issues 

Fuel waivers

Photo Gallery

Related links

General information 

 about hurricanes

Flood Water Test Results: Chemical Testing 

September 3, 2005

Site 4: Off I-10 near Exit 239 Louisa St and Almonaster Ave

Introduction

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical 

sampling of New Orleans flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile 

organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, 

herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in the flood water 

exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured levels are a concern if flood water 

were to be a child's source of drinking water.

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with 

standing water when possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of 

soap and water to clean exposed areas if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all 

mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately report 

any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood water 

contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can 

become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water 

contaminated with certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site 

of the infection and should see a doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency 

responders can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/

disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 

Web site (http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html). 

top of page

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Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA limits

None.

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Sampled and Found - but not Exceeding EPA Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/

L) EPA Limit - MCL (ug/L)

94-75-7 2,4-D 3.53 70

7440-39-3 Barium 274 2000

top of page

Sampled and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L)

67-64-1 Acetone 21.7

7429-90-5 Aluminum 1970

58-08-2 Caffeine 138

7439-89-6 Iron 2890

7439-95-4 Magnesium 267000

7439-96-5 Manganese 1060

75-09-2 Methylene chloride 6.8

7440-09-7 Potassium 131000

7440-23-5 Sodium 2430000

7440-66-6 Zinc 153

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Sampled and Not Found

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CASNum Name

71-55-6 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

76-13-1 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane

79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

92-52-4 1,1'-Biphenyl

75-34-3 1,1-Dichloroethane

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

96-12-8 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane

106-93-4 1,2-Dibromoethane

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

78-87-5 1,2-Dichloropropane

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

93-76-5 2,4,5-T

93-72-1 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

95-95-4 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol

88-06-2 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

94-82-6 2,4-DB

120-83-2 2,4-Dichlorophenol

105-67-9 2,4-Dimethylphenol

51-28-5 2,4-Dinitrophenol

121-14-2 2,4-Dinitrotoluene

606-20-2 2,6-Dinitrotoluene

78-93-3 2-Butanone

91-58-7 2-Chloronaphthalene

95-57-8 2-Chlorophenol

591-78-6 2-Hexanone

91-57-6 2-Methylnaphthalene

95-48-7 2-Methylphenol

88-74-4 2-Nitroaniline

88-75-5 2-Nitrophenol

3 &/or 4-Methylphenol

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine

51-36-5 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid

3-Nitroaniline

4,4'-DDD

4,4'-DDE

4,4'-DDT

534-52-1 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol

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101-55-3 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether

59-50-7 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol

106-47-8 4-Chloroaniline

7005-72-3 4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether

108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone

100-01-6 4-Nitroaniline

100-02-7 4-Nitrophenol

83-32-9 Acenaphthene

208-96-8 Acenaphthylene

67-64-1 Acetone

98-86-2 Acetophenone

50594-66-6 Acifluorfen

309-00-2 Aldrin

319-84-6 alpha-BHC

120-12-7 Anthracene

7440-36-0 Antimony

12674-11-2 Aroclor-1016

11104-28-2 Aroclor-1221

11141-16-5 Aroclor-1232

53469-21-9 Aroclor-1242

12672-29-6 Aroclor-1248

11097-69-1 Aroclor-1254

11096-82-5 Aroclor-1260

40487-42-1 Arsenic

1912-24-9 Atrazine

25057-89-0 Bentazon

100-52-7 Benzaldehyde

71-43-2 Benzene

71-43-2 Benzene

56-55-3 Benzo (a) anthracene

50-32-8 Benzo (a) pyrene

205-99-2 Benzo (b) fluoranthene

191-24-2 Benzo (g,h,i) perylene

207-08-9 Benzo (k) fluoranthene

65-85-0 Benzoic acid

100-51-6 Benzyl alcohol

7440-41-7 Beryllium

319-85-7 beta-BHC

111-91-1 Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane

111-44-4 Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether

39638-32-9 Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether

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117-81-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

75-27-4 Bromodichloromethane

75-25-2 Bromoform

74-83-9 Bromomethane

85-68-7 Butyl benzyl phthalate

7440-43-9 Cadmium

105-60-2 Caprolactam

86-74-8 Carbazole

1563-66-2 Carbofuran

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride

12789-03-6 Chlordane (tech)

108-90-7 Chlorobenzene

75-00-3 Chloroethane

67-66-3 Chloroform

74-87-3 Chloromethane

7440-47-3 Chromium

218-01-9 Chrysene

156-59-2 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-01-5 cis-1,3-Dichloropropene

7440-48-4 Cobalt

7440-50-8 Copper

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

68359-37-5 Cyfluthrin

Not found DCPA acid metabolites

319-86-8 delta-BHC

333-41-5 Diazinon

53-70-3 Dibenz (a,h) anthracene

132-64-9 Dibenzofuran

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

1918-00-9 Dicamba

75-71-8 Dichlorodifluoromethane

120-36-5 Dichloroprop

60-57-1 Dieldrin

84-66-2 Diethyl phthalate

131-11-3 Dimethyl phthalate

84-74-2 Di-n-butyl phthalate

117-84-0 Di-n-octyl phthalate

88-85-7 Dinoseb

959-98-8 Endosulfan I

33213-65-9 Endosulfan II

1031-07-8 Endosulfan sulfate

72-20-8 Endrin

7421-93-4 Endrin aldehyde

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53494-70-5 Endrin ketone

66230-04-4 Esfenvalerate

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

206-44-0 Fluoranthene

86-73-7 Fluorene

58-89-9 gamma-BHC (Lindane)

76-44-8 Heptachlor

1024-57-3 Heptachlor epoxide

118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene

87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene

77-47-4 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

67-72-1 Hexachloroethane

193-39-5 Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene

78-59-1 Isophorone

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

91465-08-6 lambda-Cyhalothrin

7439-92-1 Lead

7439-97-6 Mercury

meta-/para-Xylene

72-43-5 Methoxychlor

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

298-00-0 Methyl parathion

1634-04-4 Methyl tert-butyl ether

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

75-09-2 Methylene chloride

2212-67-1 Molinate

91-20-3 Naphthalene

7440-02-0 Nickel

98-95-3 Nitrobenzene

621-64-7 N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine

86-30-6 N-Nitrosodiphenylamine

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

40487-42-1 Pendimethalin

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

85-01-8 Phenanthrene

108-95-2 Phenol

1918-02-1 Picloram

129-00-0 Pyrene

7782-49-2 Selenium

7440-22-4 Silver

100-42-5 Styrene

127-18-4 Tetrachloroethene

7440-28-0 Thallium

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108-88-3 Toluene

108-88-3 Toluene

8001-35-2 Toxaphene

156-60-5 trans-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

79-01-6 Trichloroethene

75-69-4 Trichlorofluoromethane

1582-09-8 Trifluralin

7440-62-2 Vanadium

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EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Water issues > Flood Water Test Results > Chemical Testing > September 3, 

2005 > North Claiborne Ave exit ramp (Exit 236B) off I-10 

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Water Issues

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General information 

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Flood Water Test Results: Chemical Testing 

September 3, 2005

Site 3: North Claiborne Ave exit ramp (Exit 236B) off I-10

Introduction

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of New 

Orleans flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile 

organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). 

Concentrations of lead in the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured levels are a 

concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking water.

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when 

possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed areas 

if available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where 

possible. People should immediately report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of 

ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can 

become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with certain 

organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the infection and should see a doctor right 

away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency responders can be found 

on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.

html). 

top of page

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

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Concentrations of lead in the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured levels are a 

concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking water. 

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L) EPA Limit - MCL (ug/L)

7439-92-1 Lead 846 15

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Sampled and Found - But Not Exceeding EPA Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L) EPA Limit - MCL (ug/L)

7440-39-3 Barium 491 2000

7439-97-6 Mercury 1.06 2

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Sampled and Found - But EPA Has Not Established Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L)

67-64-1 Acetone 12.1

7429-90-5 Aluminum 6410

58-08-2 Caffeine 96.6

7440-70-2 Calcium 183000

7440-47-3 Chromium 19.3

7440-50-8 Copper 130

60-57-1 Dieldrin 0.0215

78-51-3

Ethanol, 2-butoxy-, phosphate (3:1) 5(estimated)

7439-89-6 Iron 11100

7439-95-4 Magnesium 288000

7439-96-5 Manganese 600

75-09-2 Methylene chloride 4.5

7440-02-0 Nickel 23.5

7440-09-7 Potassium 144000

7440-23-5 Sodium 2510000

7440-66-6 Zinc 2510

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Sampled and Not Found

CASNum Name

71-55-6 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

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76-13-1 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane

79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

92-52-4 1,1'-Biphenyl

75-34-3 1,1-Dichloroethane

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

96-12-8 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane

106-93-4 1,2-Dibromoethane

106-93-4 1,2-Dibromoethane

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

78-87-5 1,2-Dichloropropane

78-87-5 1,2-Dichloropropane

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

93-76-5 2,4,5-T

93-72-1 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

95-95-4 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol

88-06-2 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

94-75-7 2,4-D

94-82-6 2,4-DB

120-83-2 2,4-Dichlorophenol

105-67-9 2,4-Dimethylphenol

51-28-5 2,4-Dinitrophenol

121-14-2 2,4-Dinitrotoluene

606-20-2 2,6-Dinitrotoluene

78-93-3 2-Butanone

91-58-7 2-Chloronaphthalene

95-57-8 2-Chlorophenol

591-78-6 2-Hexanone

591-78-6 2-Hexanone

91-57-6 2-Methylnaphthalene

95-48-7 2-Methylphenol

88-74-4 2-Nitroaniline

88-75-5 2-Nitrophenol

Not found 3 &/or 4-Methylphenol

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine

51-36-5 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid

3-Nitroaniline

4,4'-DDD

4,4'-DDE

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4,4'-DDT

534-52-1 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol

101-55-3 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether

59-50-7 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol

106-47-8 4-Chloroaniline

7005-72-3 4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether

108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone

100-01-6 4-Nitroaniline

100-02-7 4-Nitrophenol

83-32-9 Acenaphthene

208-96-8 Acenaphthylene

67-64-1 Acetone

98-86-2 Acetophenone

50594-66-6 Acifluorfen

309-00-2 Aldrin

319-84-6 alpha-BHC

120-12-7 Anthracene

7440-36-0 Antimony

12674-11-2 Aroclor-1016

11104-28-2 Aroclor-1221

11141-16-5 Aroclor-1232

53469-21-9 Aroclor-1242

12672-29-6 Aroclor-1248

11097-69-1 Aroclor-1254

11096-82-5 Aroclor-1260

40487-42-1 Arsenic

1912-24-9 Atrazine

1912-24-9 Atrazine

25057-89-0 Bentazon

100-52-7 Benzaldehyde

71-43-2 Benzene

56-55-3 Benzo (a) anthracene

50-32-8 Benzo (a) pyrene

205-99-2 Benzo (b) fluoranthene

191-24-2 Benzo (g,h,i) perylene

207-08-9 Benzo (k) fluoranthene

65-85-0 Benzoic acid

100-51-6 Benzyl alcohol

7440-41-7 Beryllium

319-85-7 beta-BHC

111-91-1 Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane

111-44-4 Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether

39638-32-9 Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether

117-81-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

75-27-4 Bromodichloromethane

75-25-2 Bromoform

74-83-9 Bromomethane

85-68-7 Butyl benzyl phthalate

7440-43-9 Cadmium

105-60-2 Caprolactam

86-74-8 Carbazole

1563-66-2 Carbofuran

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

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56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride

12789-03-6 Chlordane (tech)

108-90-7 Chlorobenzene

75-00-3 Chloroethane

67-66-3 Chloroform

74-87-3 Chloromethane

218-01-9 Chrysene

156-59-2 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-01-5 cis-1,3-Dichloropropene

7440-48-4 Cobalt

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

68359-37-5 Cyfluthrin

Not found DCPA acid metabolites

319-86-8 delta-BHC

333-41-5 Diazinon

53-70-3 Dibenz (a,h) anthracene

132-64-9 Dibenzofuran

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

1918-00-9 Dicamba

75-71-8 Dichlorodifluoromethane

75-71-8 Dichlorodifluoromethane

120-36-5 Dichloroprop

84-66-2 Diethyl phthalate

131-11-3 Dimethyl phthalate

84-74-2 Di-n-butyl phthalate

117-84-0 Di-n-octyl phthalate

88-85-7 Dinoseb

959-98-8 Endosulfan I

33213-65-9 Endosulfan II

1031-07-8 Endosulfan sulfate

72-20-8 Endrin

7421-93-4 Endrin aldehyde

53494-70-5 Endrin ketone

66230-04-4 Esfenvalerate

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

206-44-0 Fluoranthene

86-73-7 Fluorene

58-89-9 gamma-BHC (Lindane)

76-44-8 Heptachlor

1024-57-3 Heptachlor epoxide

118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene

87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene

77-47-4 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

67-72-1 Hexachloroethane

193-39-5 Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene

78-59-1 Isophorone

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

91465-08-6 lambda-Cyhalothrin

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Not found meta-/para-Xylene

Not found meta-/para-Xylene

72-43-5 Methoxychlor

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

298-00-0 Methyl parathion

1634-04-4 Methyl tert-butyl ether

1634-04-4 Methyl tert-butyl ether

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

75-09-2 Methylene chloride

2212-67-1 Molinate

91-20-3 Naphthalene

98-95-3 Nitrobenzene

621-64-7 N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine

86-30-6 N-Nitrosodiphenylamine

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

40487-42-1 Pendimethalin

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

85-01-8 Phenanthrene

108-95-2 Phenol

1918-02-1 Picloram

129-00-0 Pyrene

7782-49-2 Selenium

7440-22-4 Silver

100-42-5 Styrene

100-42-5 Styrene

127-18-4 Tetrachloroethene

7440-28-0 Thallium

108-88-3 Toluene

8001-35-2 Toxaphene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

79-01-6 Trichloroethene

75-69-4 Trichlorofluoromethane

1582-09-8 Trifluralin

7440-62-2 Vanadium

75-01-4 Vinyl chloride

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EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Water issues > Flood Water Test Results > Chemical Testing > September 3, 2005 > Airline Highway 

and Causeway Blvd 

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 Response home

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Water Issues

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Fuel waivers

Photo Gallery

Related links

General information 

 about hurricanes

Flood Water Test Results: Chemical Testing 

September 3, 2005

Site 2: Airline Highway and Causeway Blvd

Introduction

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of New Orleans flood waters 

for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total 

metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in the flood water exceeded EPA drinking 

water action levels. These measured levels are a concern if flood water were to be a child's source of drinking water.

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when possible. In the

event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed areas if available. Flood water should 

not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where possible. People should immediately report any 

symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, 

fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water 

contaminated with certain organisms. One may experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the infection and should see a 

doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency responders can be found on the Centers for 

Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html). 

http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/chem/090305/chem_site2_2005_09_03.html (1 of 8)9/13/2005 11:33:50 AM
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top of page

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA limits

None.

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Sampled and Found - but not Exceeding EPA Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L) EPA Limit - MCL (ug/L)

94-75-7 2,4-D 3.26 70

1912-24-9 Atrazine 0.17 3

72-20-8 Endrin 0.0143 2

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Sampled and Found - But EPA Has Not Established Limits

CASNum Name Measured Level (ug/L)

7440-39-3 Barium 91.4

53494-70-5 Endrin ketone 0.08350 (estimated)

7439-89-6 Iron 318

7439-95-4 Magnesium 35800

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7439-96-5 Manganese 73.3

75-09-2 Methylene chloride 6.6

7440-23-5 Sodium 337000

115-96-8 Tri(2-chloroethyl) phosphate 6.1

7440-66-6 Zinc 445

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Sampled and Not Found

CASNum Name

71-55-6 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

76-13-1 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane

76-13-1 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane

79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

92-52-4 1,1'-Biphenyl

75-34-3 1,1-Dichloroethane

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

96-12-8 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane

106-93-4 1,2-Dibromoethane

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

78-87-5 1,2-Dichloropropane

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

93-76-5 2,4,5-T

93-72-1 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

88-06-2 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

94-82-6 2,4-DB

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120-83-2 2,4-Dichlorophenol

105-67-9 2,4-Dimethylphenol

51-28-5 2,4-Dinitrophenol

606-20-2 2,6-Dinitrotoluene

78-93-3 2-Butanone

91-58-7 2-Chloronaphthalene

95-57-8 2-Chlorophenol

591-78-6 2-Hexanone

91-57-6 2-Methylnaphthalene

95-48-7 2-Methylphenol

88-74-4 2-Nitroaniline

88-75-5 2-Nitrophenol

3 &/or 4-Methylphenol

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine

51-36-5 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid

3-Nitroaniline

4,4'-DDD

4,4'-DDE

4,4'-DDT

534-52-1 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol

101-55-3 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether

59-50-7 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol

106-47-8 4-Chloroaniline

7005-72-3 4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether

108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone

100-01-6 4-Nitroaniline

100-02-7 4-Nitrophenol

83-32-9 Acenaphthene

208-96-8 Acenaphthylene

67-64-1 Acetone

98-86-2 Acetophenone

50594-66-6 Acifluorfen

309-00-2 Aldrin

319-84-6 alpha-BHC

7429-90-5 Aluminum

120-12-7 Anthracene

7440-36-0 Antimony

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12674-11-2 Aroclor-1016

11104-28-2 Aroclor-1221

11141-16-5 Aroclor-1232

53469-21-9 Aroclor-1242

12672-29-6 Aroclor-1248

11097-69-1 Aroclor-1254

11096-82-5 Aroclor-1260

40487-42-1 Arsenic

1912-24-9 Atrazine

25057-89-0 Bentazon

100-52-7 Benzaldehyde

71-43-2 Benzene

56-55-3 Benzo (a) anthracene

50-32-8 Benzo (a) pyrene

205-99-2 Benzo (b) fluoranthene

191-24-2 Benzo (g,h,i) perylene

207-08-9 Benzo (k) fluoranthene

65-85-0 Benzoic acid

100-51-6 Benzyl alcohol

7440-41-7 Beryllium

319-85-7 beta-BHC

111-91-1 Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane

111-44-4 Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether

39638-32-9 Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether

117-81-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

75-27-4 Bromodichloromethane

75-25-2 Bromoform

74-83-9 Bromomethane

85-68-7 Butyl benzyl phthalate

7440-43-9 Cadmium

105-60-2 Caprolactam

86-74-8 Carbazole

1563-66-2 Carbofuran

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride

12789-03-6 Chlordane (tech)

108-90-7 Chlorobenzene

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75-00-3 Chloroethane

75-00-3 Chloroethane

67-66-3 Chloroform

74-87-3 Chloromethane

7440-47-3 Chromium

218-01-9 Chrysene

156-59-2 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-01-5 cis-1,3-Dichloropropene

7440-48-4 Cobalt

7440-50-8 Copper

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

68359-37-5 Cyfluthrin

Not found DCPA acid metabolites

319-86-8 delta-BHC

333-41-5 Diazinon

53-70-3 Dibenz (a,h) anthracene

132-64-9 Dibenzofuran

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

1918-00-9 Dicamba

75-71-8 Dichlorodifluoromethane

120-36-5 Dichloroprop

60-57-1 Dieldrin

84-66-2 Diethyl phthalate

131-11-3 Dimethyl phthalate

84-74-2 Di-n-butyl phthalate

117-84-0 Di-n-octyl phthalate

88-85-7 Dinoseb

959-98-8 Endosulfan I

33213-65-9 Endosulfan II

1031-07-8 Endosulfan sulfate

7421-93-4 Endrin aldehyde

66230-04-4 Esfenvalerate

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

206-44-0 Fluoranthene

86-73-7 Fluorene

58-89-9 gamma-BHC (Lindane)

76-44-8 Heptachlor

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1024-57-3 Heptachlor epoxide

118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene

87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene

77-47-4 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

67-72-1 Hexachloroethane

193-39-5 Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene

78-59-1 Isophorone

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

91465-08-6 lambda-Cyhalothrin

7439-92-1 Lead

7439-97-6 Mercury

meta-/para-Xylene

72-43-5 Methoxychlor

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

298-00-0 Methyl parathion

1634-04-4 Methyl tert-butyl ether

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

75-09-2 Methylene chloride

2212-67-1 Molinate

91-20-3 Naphthalene

7440-02-0 Nickel

98-95-3 Nitrobenzene

621-64-7 N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine

86-30-6 N-Nitrosodiphenylamine

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

40487-42-1 Pendimethalin

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

85-01-8 Phenanthrene

108-95-2 Phenol

1918-02-1 Picloram

129-00-0 Pyrene

7782-49-2 Selenium

7440-22-4 Silver

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100-42-5 Styrene

100-42-5 Styrene

127-18-4 Tetrachloroethene

7440-28-0 Thallium

108-88-3 Toluene

108-88-3 Toluene

8001-35-2 Toxaphene

156-60-5 trans-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

79-01-6 Trichloroethene

75-69-4 Trichlorofluoromethane

1582-09-8 Trifluralin

7440-62-2 Vanadium

75-01-4 Vinyl chloride

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EPA Home > Hurricanes > Hurricane Katrina Response > Water issues > Flood Water Test Results > Chemical Testing > September 3, 2005 > 

West End Blvd Veterans Highway (I-10 and I-61) 

Hurricane Katrina 

 Response home

Current activities

Health issues

 Mold

 West Nile virus 

Water Issues

 Test results

Debris Issues 

Fuel waivers

Photo Gallery

Related links

General information 

 about hurricanes

Flood Water Test Results: Chemical Testing 

September 3, 2005

Site 1: West End Blvd Veterans Highway (I-10 and I-61)

Introduction

Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Introduction

EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of New Orleans 

flood waters for over one hundred priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic 

compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of lead in 

the flood water exceeded EPA drinking water action levels. These measured levels are a concern if flood water were to be a 

child's source of drinking water.

Based on the sampling, emergency responders and the public should avoid direct contact with standing water when 

possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and CDC strongly advise the use of soap and water to clean exposed areas if 

available. Flood water should not be swallowed and all mouth contact should be minimized and avoided where possible. 

People should immediately report any symptoms to health professionals. The most likely symptoms of ingestion of flood 

water contaminated with bacteria are stomach-ache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, people can become ill if they have 

an open cut, wound, or abrasion that comes into contact with water contaminated with certain organisms. One may 

experience fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the infection and should see a doctor right away if possible. 

Additional information regarding health and safety issues for both the public and emergency responders can be found on 

the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp) and the 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Web site (http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html). 

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Test Results

● Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sampled and Found - but Not Exceeding EPA Limits

● Sample and Found - but EPA Has Not Established Limits

● Sampled and Not Found

Sampled and Found - Exceeding EPA Limits

None.

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Sampled and Found - But Not Exceeding EPA Limits

None.

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Sampled and Found - But EPA Has Not Established Limits

CASNum Chemical Name Measured Level (ug/L)

67-64-1 Acetone 10.7

7440-39-3 Barium 122

7440-70-2 Calcium 76200

60-57-1 Dieldrin 0.0177

7439-95-4 Magnesium 194000

7439-96-5 Manganese 259

75-09-2 Methylene chloride 5.2

7440-09-7 Potassium 84800

7440-23-5 Sodium 1770000

7440-66-6 Zinc 231

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Sampled and Not Found

CASNum Chemical Name

71-55-6 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

76-13-1 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane

79-00-5 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

92-52-4 1,1'-Biphenyl

75-34-3 1,1-Dichloroethane

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

75-35-4 1,1-Dichloroethene

120-82-1 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

96-12-8 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane

106-93-4 1,2-Dibromoethane

95-50-1 1,2-Dichlorobenzene

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

107-06-2 1,2-Dichloroethane

78-87-5 1,2-Dichloropropane

541-73-1 1,3-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

93-76-5 2,4,5-T

93-72-1 2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

95-95-4 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol

88-06-2 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

94-75-7 2,4-D

94-82-6 2,4-DB

120-83-2 2,4-Dichlorophenol

105-67-9 2,4-Dimethylphenol

51-28-5 2,4-Dinitrophenol

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121-14-2 2,4-Dinitrotoluene

606-20-2 2,6-Dinitrotoluene

78-93-3 2-Butanone

91-58-7 2-Chloronaphthalene

95-57-8 2-Chlorophenol

591-78-6 2-Hexanone

91-57-6 2-Methylnaphthalene

95-48-7 2-Methylphenol

88-74-4 2-Nitroaniline

88-75-5 2-Nitrophenol

3 &/or 4-Methylphenol

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine

51-36-5 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid

3-Nitroaniline

4,4'-DDE

N/A 4,4?-DDT

4,4'-DDD

534-52-1 4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol

101-55-3 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether

59-50-7 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol

106-47-8 4-Chloroaniline

7005-72-3 4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether

108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone

108-10-1 4-Methyl-2-pentanone

100-01-6 4-Nitroaniline

100-02-7 4-Nitrophenol

83-32-9 Acenaphthene

208-96-8 Acenaphthylene

67-64-1 Acetone

98-86-2 Acetophenone

50594-66-6 Acifluorfen

309-00-2 Aldrin

319-84-6 alpha-BHC

7429-90-5 Aluminum

120-12-7 Anthracene

7440-36-0 Antimony

12674-11-2 Aroclor-1016

11104-28-2 Aroclor-1221

11141-16-5 Aroclor-1232

53469-21-9 Aroclor-1242

12672-29-6 Aroclor-1248

11097-69-1 Aroclor-1254

11096-82-5 Aroclor-1260

40487-42-1 Arsenic

1912-24-9 Atrazine

25057-89-0 Bentazon

100-52-7 Benzaldehyde

71-43-2 Benzene

71-43-2 Benzene

56-55-3 Benzo (a) anthracene

50-32-8 Benzo (a) pyrene

205-99-2 Benzo (b) fluoranthene

191-24-2 Benzo (g,h,i) perylene

207-08-9 Benzo (k) fluoranthene

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65-85-0 Benzoic acid

100-51-6 Benzyl alcohol

7440-41-7 Beryllium

319-85-7 beta-BHC

111-91-1 Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane

111-44-4 Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether

39638-32-9 Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether

117-81-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

75-27-4 Bromodichloromethane

75-25-2 Bromoform

74-83-9 Bromomethane

85-68-7 Butyl benzyl phthalate

7440-43-9 Cadmium

105-60-2 Caprolactam

86-74-8 Carbazole

1563-66-2 Carbofuran

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

56-23-5 Carbon tetrachloride

12789-03-6 Chlordane (tech)

108-90-7 Chlorobenzene

75-00-3 Chloroethane

67-66-3 Chloroform

74-87-3 Chloromethane

7440-47-3 Chromium

218-01-9 Chrysene

156-59-2 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-01-5 cis-1,3-Dichloropropene

7440-48-4 Cobalt

7440-50-8 Copper

110-82-7 Cyclohexane

68359-37-5 Cyfluthrin

DCPA acid metabolites

319-86-8 delta-BHC

333-41-5 Diazinon

53-70-3 Dibenz (a,h) anthracene

132-64-9 Dibenzofuran

124-48-1 Dibromochloromethane

1918-00-9 Dicamba

75-71-8 Dichlorodifluoromethane

120-36-5 Dichloroprop

84-66-2 Diethyl phthalate

131-11-3 Dimethyl phthalate

84-74-2 Di-n-butyl phthalate

117-84-0 Di-n-octyl phthalate

88-85-7 Dinoseb

959-98-8 Endosulfan I

33213-65-9 Endosulfan II

1031-07-8 Endosulfan sulfate

72-20-8 Endrin

7421-93-4 Endrin aldehyde

53494-70-5 Endrin ketone

66230-04-4 Esfenvalerate

100-41-4 Ethylbenzene

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206-44-0 Fluoranthene

86-73-7 Fluorene

58-89-9 gamma-BHC (Lindane)

76-44-8 Heptachlor

1024-57-3 Heptachlor epoxide

118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene

87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene

77-47-4 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

67-72-1 Hexachloroethane

193-39-5 Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene

7439-89-6 Iron

78-59-1 Isophorone

98-82-8 Isopropylbenzene

91465-08-6 lambda-Cyhalothrin

7439-92-1 Lead

7439-97-6 Mercury

meta-/para-Xylene

72-43-5 Methoxychlor

79-20-9 Methyl acetate

298-00-0 Methyl parathion

1634-04-4 Methyl tert-butyl ether

108-87-2 Methylcyclohexane

75-09-2 Methylene chloride

2212-67-1 Molinate

91-20-3 Naphthalene

7440-02-0 Nickel

98-95-3 Nitrobenzene

621-64-7 N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine

86-30-6 N-Nitrosodiphenylamine

95-47-6 ortho-Xylene

40487-42-1 Pendimethalin

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

87-86-5 Pentachlorophenol

85-01-8 Phenanthrene

108-95-2 Phenol

1918-02-1 Picloram

129-00-0 Pyrene

7782-49-2 Selenium

7440-22-4 Silver

100-42-5 Styrene

127-18-4 Tetrachloroethene

7440-28-0 Thallium

108-88-3 Toluene

8001-35-2 Toxaphene

156-60-5 trans-1,2-Dichloroethene

10061-02-6 trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

79-01-6 Trichloroethene

79-01-6 Trichloroethene

75-69-4 Trichlorofluoromethane

1582-09-8 Trifluralin

7440-62-2 Vanadium

75-01-4 Vinyl chloride

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Privacy and Security Notice

Privacy and Security Notice 

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EPA Home > Privacy and Security Notice 

Privacy and Security Notice

About Privacy and Security

Thank you for visiting the Environmental Protection Agency Web site, a service 

of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This statement informs you how 

we will handle information we learn about you from your visit to our site. Please 

be assured that the privacy of our visitors is of utmost importance to us. We 

collect no personally identifiable information about you when you visit our site 

unless you choose to provide that information to us. 

We want to inform you that, for each HTTP request (which is what your Web 

browser generates when you request a page or part of a page from a Web 

site) received, we collect and store only the following information, in what is 

called a log file: 

● the date and time

● the originating Internet Provider address (IPA) (this address can refer to 

a specific computer; more frequently, commercial Internet providers use 

a temporary IPA which does not link to a specific computer)

● the type of browser and operating system used (if provided by the 

browser) 

● the URL of the referring page (if provided by the browser)

● the object requested 

● completion status of the request 

● pages visited 

We use the information that we automatically collect to measure the number of 

visitors to the different areas of our sites, and to help us make our pages more 

useful to visitors. This includes analyzing these logs periodically to determine 

the traffic through our servers, the number of pages served, and the level of 

demand for pages and topics of interest. 

How Long is the Information Retained: The logs for each day, with no 

personal information, are maintained indefinitely. 

Cookies: EPA does not use "persistent cookies" or any other persistent 

tracking methods to collect personally identifiable information about visitors to 

our Web pages. However, some EPA pages have “session cookies,” to 

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terminates a Web session and closes the browser. 

Cookies are small files that Web servers place on a user's hard drive. They 

can serve several functions, depending upon how they are designed:

● they allow the Web site to identify you as a previous visitor each time 

you access a site;

● they track what information you view at a site (important to commercial 

sites trying to determine your buying preferences); 

● in the more advanced cases they track your movements through many 

Web sites but not the whole Web; 

● businesses use them for customer convenience to allow them to 

produce a list of items to buy and pay for them all at one time and to 

garner information about what individuals are buying at their sites;

● advertisers use them to determine the effectiveness of their marketing 

and offer insights into consumer preferences and tastes by collecting 

data from many Web sites; and 

● they can be used to help a Web site tailor screens for each customer's 

preference. 

To protect your privacy, be sure to close your browser completely after you 

have finished conducting business with a Web site that does use cookies. If 

you are concerned about the potential use of the information gathered from 

your computer by cookies, you can set your browser to prompt you before it 

accepts a cookie. Most Internet browsers have settings that let you identify and/

or reject cookies. 

Other Information Collection: In addition to the information automatically 

collected by the server, EPA offices may collect other information from online 

visitors. Before collecting personally identifiable information through our Web 

pages, we will prominently disclose: 

● why EPA is collecting the information; 

● what information is to be collected;

● the intended use of the information;

● how it will be protected/secured;

● if it will be shared within or outside EPA, including on publicly available 

Web sites;

● if shared, with whom;

● the opportunity to consent to, or reject, the collection and/or sharing, and

● when it will be destroyed.

How the Information is Used: We may store non-personally identifiable 

information we collect (such as search engine queries and anonymous survey 

responses) indefinitely to help us better understand and meet the needs of our 

visitors. We may share non-personally identifiable information with others, 

including the public, in aggregated form (for instance, in a list of our most 

popular search engine queries), in partial or edited form (such as in a report 

summarizing responses to a questionnaire), or verbatim (for example, in a 

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complete listing of survey responses).

Your Rights under the Privacy Act: The Privacy Act of 1974 protects the 

personal information the federal government keeps on you in “systems of 

records (SOR)” (information an agency controls that can be retrieved by name 

or some other personal identifier). The Privacy Act regulates how the 

government can disclose, share, provide access to, and maintain the personal 

information that it collects. Not all information collected online is covered by the 

Privacy Act.

The Act’s major provisions require agencies to:

● publish a Privacy Act Notice in the Federal Register explaining the 

existence, character and uses of a new or revised SOR; 

● keep information about you accurate, relevant, timely, and complete to 

assure fairness in dealing with you; and 

● allow you to, upon request, access and review your information held in 

a SOR and request amendment of the information if you disagree with 

it. 

EPA Web pages do not collect any personal information that is contained in a 

Privacy Act System of Records as defined by the Privacy Act. Information 

concerning the Privacy Act can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/privacy/index.

htm.

Interaction with Children: Some EPA Web pages provide content to children. 

It is EPA policy, in compliance with the requirements of the Children's Online 

Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), to collect no information online about or from 

children age 13 and under except when it is needed to identify a submission or 

to answer a question. Any such instances on Web pages for children will be 

clearly marked, and a separate privacy notice will be posted on that Web page. 

Under no circumstances will any of the information be used for another 

purpose or shared with third parties, nor will personally identifying information 

be published on the EPA Web site.

How e-mail is Handled: By sending us an electronic mail message (for 

example, an e-mail message containing an official Freedom of Information Act 

request), you may be sending us personally-identifying information, such as 

name and address. In these cases, we may retain the information as long as 

necessary to respond to your request or otherwise resolve the subject matter 

of your e-mail. Please be aware that email is not necessarily secure from 3rd 

party interception or misdirection. For your own protection you may wish to 

communicate sensitive information using a method other than email.

Personal Information via Forms: Some of our pages provide forms allowing 

visitors to submit search engine queries, questionnaires, feedback, or other 

information. Some of these forms may request personally identifiable 

information (e.g., name, address, e-mail address) for specific purposes, such 

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as when the submitter is requesting a personal response, registering for a 

conference, or subscribing to a mailing list. All information submitted by 

visitors is voluntary.

Site Security: For site security purposes and to ensure that this service 

remains available to all users, EPA does employ software programs to monitor 

network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change 

information, or otherwise cause damage to the information on our Web pages. 

Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this 

service (“hacking”) are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the 

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information 

Infrastructure Protection Act. Except for these authorized law enforcement 

investigations, no other attempts are made to identify individual users or their 

usage habits.

Search frequently asked questions or submit your own questions or comments. 

Content updated July 2004

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