The LMDC answers frequently asked questions about the deconstrution of 130 Liberty St.

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) has posted answers to frequently asked questions about the deconstruction of 130 Liberty Street (Deutsche Bank Building) on its website as well as here on LowerManhattan.info.

Below you will find answers to questions regarding the building acquisition, environmental testing standards, air monitoring, contractor experience, and deconstruction protocols.

For additional answers to frequently asked questions about the building deconstruction and removal, timing, emergency procedures, and community outreach efforts, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Building Acquisition and Initial Building Characterization Study Report
Answers provided by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation

Q: Why did LMDC acquire 130 Liberty Street?

A: LMDC took measures to acquire the damaged building at 130 Liberty Street (the "Building") in order to facilitate its timely and safe removal. Without LMDC's involvement there would be no viable plan at this time to remove this reminder of September 11.

The Building was heavily damaged by the attacks of September 11 when it suffered a 15-story gash after the south Twin Tower collapsed. In addition to physical damage, the Building also was impacted by dust from the World Trade Towers' collapse, smoke from the ensuing fires, and the cleanup efforts. As a result, according to Deutsche Bank, the owner of the Building at the time, the Building was uninhabitable. Deutsche Bank's insurance carriers took a contrary position. They asserted that, like other buildings, this Building could be safely and effectively cleaned and re-inhabited.

As a result of these contrary positions, Deutsche Bank became embroiled in a dispute with two of its insurers concerning the cost to repair or, if necessary, replace the Building. This dispute became protracted and eventually resulted in litigation, indefinitely threatening to prevent the repair or replacement of the Building.

This delay was not in the City's interests or the interest of the residents and workers of Lower Manhattan. This delay also prevented the cleanup of the dust in the Building. Accordingly, in late 2003, Governor Pataki appointed Senator Mitchell to mediate the dispute between the insurers and Deutsche Bank. With the active support and involvement of LMDC, Senator Mitchell resolved the dispute, permitting LMDC to acquire the Building in its present condition. LMDC consented to acquire the Building, which must be taken down before rebuilding can commence, to ensure that deconstruction of the Building will be completed in a timely manner and with sensitivity to the environment and surrounding community. Without LMDC's involvement, the current owner of the Building would still be locked in a legal battle with its insurance carriers, deferring action on the Building for many months or years.

The acquisition of the 130 Liberty Site is necessary for the implementation of the WTC Memorial and Redevelopment Plan insofar as it will permit the construction of bus parking, reduce density on the WTC Site by moving the proposed fifth office tower to the 130 Liberty Site, and reservation of sufficient space for the proposed memorial and cultural facilities on the WTC Site itself.

Q: What standards are being used for testing and how is it being incorporated with testing results that have already been collected by other sources?

A: Testing has been done by both Deutsche Bank and the insurers over the last two years in connection with their litigation. LMDC will determine how to proceed with the deconstruction based on testing conducted by its own environmental consultants in connection with the characterization. Deconstruction regulations require this testing be conducted. Environmental testing done in connection with the characterization is being conducted in accordance with all applicable legal requirements.

Q: What are the protocols for the cleaning and deconstruction and how do we know that those protocols will address contaminants other than asbestos?

A: Once the characterization results are finalized, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency will review the results and work with LMDC and its consultants to develop the most appropriate strategy for cleaning and deconstruction.

Q: Will the characterization be made public and be posted on a web-site?

A: The characterization will be made public and available on the web-site.

Click here to view the Initial Building Characterization Study Report

Q: This is an unusual deconstruction project with the level of suspected contamination. Does Gilbane Building Company have experience with this type of work?

A: Yes, Gilbane has experience on major deconstruction projects, including projects with hazardous materials and projects within heavily used areas. Gilbane will also ensure that its key subcontractors have similar experience. Click here to view contractor and consultant bios.

Q: How will materials that are removed from the building be removed from the site?

A: Materials will be loaded into trucks to be removed from the site. The contractors will work with the NYC Department of Transportation and the NYS Department of Transportation on access and circulation around the work site. They will ensure appropriate routes for clearance to the fire station on Liberty Street as well as clearance for pedestrian routes. The contractors will also consult with the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the proper loading and placement of materials within the trucks. Depending on the results of the characterization a number of measures will be evaluated to prevent the release of contaminants when removing items from the building.

Q: Is the LMDC currently performing any Community Air Monitoring to ensure contaminants are not released from the building?

A: The LMDC has retained an independent licensed air testing company to implement an outside air sampling program at the building. LMDC retained the same independent licensed air testing company that was used by Deutsche Bank. LMDC has continued the same program for testing that was used by Deutsche Bank. LMDC started this program the day LMDC took ownership of the building and the program has been on-going each day since. The program includes air sampling at the street level at four locations around the building on a daily basis, 24-hours each day. The daily sampling at each of the four locations include air sampling and analysis for the following parameters:

• Asbestos air sampling and analysis via transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
• Metals air sampling and analysis for 10 metals

At each of the four sampling locations (3) eight-hour asbestos TEM, and (1) twenty-four hour Metal samples are collected each day over a 24-hour period. A total of twenty (20) air samples plus quality assurance samples are collected and analyzed each day.

Results are reviewed by the independent licensed air testing company and the asbestos TEM air sampling results are also sent regularly to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) for their review.

Click here for a report of Air Monitoring Results.

To submit questions or concerns to the Lower Manhattan Development Corportation,  click here.

For further information, please visit the LMDC website at www.renewnyc.com.