Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Katrina: Eighteen-month Anniversary
EPA, in coordination with our Federal, State and local partners, has:
- Conducted environmental monitoring and sampling of water, air, floodwater and residual sediment resulting in more than 400,000 analyses.
- Responded to approximately 70 emergency situations to address chemical spills, fires, and other emergencies causing an immediate public threat.
- Played a key role in the overall debris mission with FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for which the total estimates are expected to top 118 million cubic yards. EPA provided technical advice and assistance, promoted recycling, and handled the disposal of 5 million containers of household hazardous waste.
- Assisted in the proper handling and recycling of over 380,000 large appliances (refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners). If laid end to end, these appliances would stretch from Baton Rouge to Dallas.
- Collected and recycled over 940,000 electronic goods to save important landfill space and ensure the reuse of metal components.
- Assessed over 970 public and parochial school chemistry classrooms and removed chemicals and other equipment from 133 chemistry laboratory classrooms to ensure safe schools for returning students.
- Assessed approximately 4000 water systems to determine their viability after the storms and provide assistance where requested.
- Inspected over 3,500 potable water trucks to ensure drinkable water was delivered promptly to areas affected by the hurricane.
- Assessed approximately 1,300 underground storage tank locations and over 1,600 chemical facilities and refineries.
- Continued to monitor 5 temporary ambient air monitoring sites around New Orleans.
- Continued to provide oversight of the cleanup by Murphy Oil of a large oil spill in St. Bernard Parish. Murphy has sampled over 5,400 addresses and completed the external cleanup of 2,525 homes.
In July 2006, EPA completed our mission under ESF #10 (oil and hazardous materials) in Mississippi and Alabama, and transitioned responsibility for the remaining ESF #10 activities to the State.
In Louisiana, EPA continues to support Louisiana with collection and disposal of household hazardous waste and large containers associated with ongoing demolitions.
EPA continues to consult with Louisiana and assist with observation of landfill operations at several area landfills being used for debris disposal.
EPA activities are currently focused in the St. Bernard and Orleans parishes.
EPA’s total dollars spent to date: $563.7 million
Agency’s Total Allocation to date: $ 718.4 million