The US Environmental Protection Agency will begin to test homes and businesses in lower Manhattan for hazardous air and dust, despite renewed criticism of the plan from lawmakers and community leaders.
The $7 million program, described by the EPA yesterday as “the final phase” of its response to the 9/11 terror attacks, will get underway next month.
Residents and owners of buildings south of Canal St. and west of Allen and Pike Sts. may request an inspection of their properties and a cleanup if high levels of certain poisons are detected.
The EPA says any buildings found with contaminated air will be cleaned up.
The EPA will open a 2-month registration period in January, with testing expected to begin in the spring.