These exemptions apply primarily to the management of compressed gases/cylinders.

Dated 8 September 2005, this memorandum for Federal NEPA contacts provides information on the following: general information on response to Katrina; reporting oil and chemical spills; projected long term recovery efforts; and how agencies can respond to emergencies and comply with NEPA.

EPA has waived specific volatility and sulfur standards for gasoline and diesel fuels nationwide until September 15, 2005, to help alleviate the effects of Hurricane Katrina on fuel supplies. Check http://www.epa.gov/katrina/index.html for the most current information on EPA’s responses and activities related to Katrina relief efforts.

SUBJECT: Energy and Fuel Conservation by Federal Agencies
Issued September 26, 2005, this memorandum directing the heads of executive departments and agencies to take appropriate actions to conserve natural gas, electricity, gasoline, and diesel fuel to the maximum extent consistent with the effective discharge of public responsibilities.

New concentrations reported for metals, and volatile organic compounds in New Orleans continue to be below health-based screening levels. These monitoring results also include the first results of outdoor sampling for asbestos in New Orleans. Asbestos was not detected in the air samples collected in New Orleans for dates ranging from Oct. 9 - 23 at nine monitoring locations. The direct link to asbestos results: http://epa.gov/air/katrina/asbestos.html

In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, EPA's airplane ASPECT is working to obtain environmental screening data.

An estimated one million pounds of household hazardous waste has been collected in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Household hazardous waste typically consists of cleaning products found in most homes as well as lawn and garden products, pesticides and herbicides, fuels and paints as well as batteries found in most garages.

CDC's health and safety hurricane disaster web page. Includes illness and injury prevention, keeping food and water safe, cleanup safety, environmental concerns, disaster mental health, animal and insect hazards, and more.

A new tool display test results from floodwater and sediment sampling in Louisiana impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Air monitoring and ambient water data will be added as they become available.

Initial biological results indicated the presence of high levels of E. coli in sampled areas. EPA in coordination with federal, state and local agencies will continue to release data as it becomes available. A map displaying sampling locations is available on the EPA website.

The existing air quality monitoring networks in Louisiana and Mississippi were badly damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, making it difficult to measure and report air quality status in parts of the Gulf Coast region. To provide the public with this information, EPA, in coordination with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, has been working to restore the air quality monitoring networks in the hurricane-damaged areas. Results of limited sampling, which began the first week of October, are now available.

October 7, 2005 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, recorded public service announcements (PSA) to provide information to people in the hurricane affected areas. Topics featured in these PSA's include household cleaners, hazardous materials, asbestos, lead, gas leaks, flood water and mold.

CDC-provided information on precautions and issues of concern such as mold, sewage, and debris when entering flooded areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) have been collecting sediment samples from across the New Orleans area. The samples have been analyzed for bacteria and chemicals.

National Library of Medicine's directory of Environmental Health and Toxicology links, covering Hazardous Materials, Environmental Cleanup and Recovery, Rodents, Snakes, and Other Pests After Disasters, Drinking Water, Food Safety, Mold, Animals, etc.

This report provides an initial assessment of the overarching environmental health and infrastructure issues faced by New Orleans to reinhabit the city. It was prepared by a joint taskforce of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA and CDC are collaborating with state and local public health and environmental officials, including the New Orleans City Public Health Department, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The report includes data such as up to 30 million cubic yards of debris, some of which contains materials hazardous to health and the environment, will need to be removed and managed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Twenty daily samples for acrolein are now available from the monitoring sites in Mississippi. EPA will continue to provide additional air quality information as it becomes available.

a water quality study along major bay systems on the Mississippi coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita has been completed and that shows few chemicals of concern in bays and rivers where samples were taken. The study encompassed major bay systems on the Mississippi coast including Bangs Lake, Bayou Casotte, the Pascagoula and West Pascagoula River systems, the Back Bay of Biloxi, St. Louis Bay, and the Pearl River. Testing results by state, county or testing site can be viewed by using EnviroMapper at: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/katrina/emkatrina.html

From Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, 2005, a team of EPA contractors collected samples at five National Priority List (NPL) sites in the New Orleans area. Specific test results are available at: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/katrina/emkatrina.html Information about assessment of all NPL sites affected by the hurricanes is available at:

Office of Pipeline Safety of the DOT has issued an advisory bulletin to owners and operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines as well as owners and operators of natural gas distribution pipeline facilities to communicate the potential for damage to pipeline facilities caused by the passage of Hurricane Katrina.

Fact sheet on dealing with hazards such as snakes, insects, rabies, and rodents.

Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina can pose significant health and environmental challenges. This is a guide on how to approach the task.

Report from the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN).

LDEQ and USEPA revisited approximately 145 previous sediment sample locations where contaminant concentrations exceeded LDEQ and USEPA criteria. For re-sampling to occur, the sediment depth had to exceed a depth of 1.5 cm (0.5"). Sediments of sufficient depth were found at 14 locations, and were re-sampled to determine current conditions.

Includes biological testing for total coliforms and E. coli; chemical testing, and a flood water sampling map.

Site includes Cleanup and Response Teleconferences, Emergency & Environmental Resources (State and Federal), Legal Resources, and Disaster and Emergency Planning information.

Katrina (Rita) Recovery - A series of Quick Teleconferences sponsored by the Section and its Katrina Task Force – Environmental Law Issues and Disaster Response. A volunteer effort to provide expertise and resources to those working to rebuild areas devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Navy Personnel Command has set up a 24-hour helpline for all Navy members to call for information regarding their loved ones and benefits.

As part of its Plug-In To eCycling commitments, Best Buy will recycle obsolete and storm-impacted electronics in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Best Buy will collect and pay for the environmentally safe recycling of computers, monitors, and televisions that are currently held in certain staging areas in Jackson County, MS and Orleans Parish, LA. Best Buy will also provide consumer electronics recycling at Jackson County's household hazardous waste collection on March 4, 2006 at no charge to county residents.

Industries and businesses that encounter spills or discharges in the hurricane's aftermath should contact the National Response 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.

Additional recovery assistance information is available at FirstGov.gov.

On September 13, 2005 the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) received an email from the State of Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality requesting assistance with the massive amount of debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This report is SWANA’s reponse.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is available to provide advice to Federal agencies and Courts dealing with the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on Federal records in the Gulf coast region. The Archivist of the United States has sent a letter concerning the delegation of authority to destroy contaminated records constituting a menace to health, life, or property under specific conditions to the heads of Federal agencies affected by Hurricane Katrina.

This site is designed to empower individuals and communities as they recover from hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters by providing resources and tools that can help rebuild communities, businesses, and homes using sustainable principles and technologies. Operation Fresh Start is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).

Recommendations from the American Lung Association.

Developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as a public service to those who have suffered water-related losses due to storm damage (e.g., hurricane, tornado).

Through NEER, DHS assists the coordination efforts between the resources that are needed and the resources that may be available from the private and public sectors. If you or your organization / agency / corporation have resources that may be made available to the response agencies, please list them in this Resource Registry.

This site provides information on areas designated as agricultural disaster areas, waiver of Forest Service campground fees for survivors, Katrina impact on the food stamp program, and Disaster Emergency Relief programs for farmers and ranchers.

Current relief efforts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Institutes of Technology (NIST), Economic Development Administration (EDA), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Provides details on Guardsmen and Paratrooper deployments to the impacted area, discussion of the Corps of Engineers floodwater drainage efforts, and an assessment of damage at military bases.

Provides information on Katrina’s impact on oil and gas markets, power outage maps, and the status of the strategic petroleum reserve. Also the home of a price gouging hotline where individuals can report suspected price gouging.

The site addresses the issues of: Finding family and friends; health and safety; how to get help; shelter and housing; what the government is doing; and frequently asked questions.

Site details the status of transportation-related recovery efforts, state of roadways, and status of airport activities.

E-Gov iniative to provide a one-stop shop for federal disaster recovery information.

EPA’s Hurricane Katrina Response page details the various EPA response activities.

Since FEMA is a part of DHS, the sites available are very similar. On the FEMA site you can check the status of help applications.

Information for individuals, professionals, and organizations on health and safety, medical care, prescription assistance, social and health services, grants management, etc.