The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released an Environmental Assessment Summary for areas of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes flooded as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

Included in the report;

• "Unwatering of the flooded areas of Orleans, St. Bernard, Jefferson, and Plaquemines Parishes has been completed and floodwaters no longer serve as a source of exposure to residents returning to impacted areas."
• "In general, the sediments located in areas flooded by the hurricanes in Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes are not expected to cause adverse health effects provided people use common sense and good personal hygiene and safety practices."
• "However, in areas where sediment samples contained contaminant levels exceeding LDEQ and USEPA criteria, further investigation is underway to adequately characterize the nature and extent of contamination."
• "While the detected levels of contaminants may not pose an unacceptable health risk for most people, some individuals may be bothered by dust raised by disturbances of the sediment. It is therefore recommended that efforts be made to minimize contact and take measures to minimize dust (reestablish lawn, rinse off sidewalks and driveways etc). "

To view the full report please click on the following link:

Environmental Assessment Summary for Areas of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes Flooded as a Result of Hurricane Katrina