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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Inspector General
At a Glance
2006-P-00018
March 28, 2006
Catalyst for Improving the Environment
Why We Did This Review
This review was conducted in
conjunction with the
President's Council on Integrity
and Efficiency as part of its
examination of relief efforts
provided by the Federal
Government in the aftermath of
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
We conducted this review to
assess whether the
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) provided quality
and timely information to the
States, wastewater treatment
facilities, and public regarding
wastewater.
Background
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane
Katrina caused massive damage
in Louisiana, Mississippi, and
Alabama; affecting
approximately 208 wastewater
treatment facilities and causing
damage to collection systems
and raw sewage spills. Human
exposure to raw sewage may
cause illness ranging in severity
from mild gastroenteritis to
cholera.
EPA Provided Quality and Timely Information
Regarding Wastewater after Hurricane Katrina
What We Found
EPA provided quality and timely information regarding wastewater to States,
wastewater treatment facilities, and the general public. The damage to the
wastewater treatment facilities and their collection systems created a potentially
critical health concern due to the possibility that people living in these
communities would be exposed to raw sewage. Due to the risk of serious illness
associated with exposure to raw sewage, decisionmakers needed information to be
able to evaluate the potential risk of exposure and take steps to protect their
citizens. EPA did a good job supporting States and local communities in this
function. The information that EPA provided to the public was augmented by
significant efforts by other Federal agencies, State agencies, and the communities
themselves.
Affected States used the information that EPA provided to help them determine
how best to protect rescue workers and the general public. No sewage-related
illnesses were reported in the affected areas. EPA publicly reported that only
about 10 percent of wastewater treatment facilities were inoperable 4 weeks after
the hurricane, most of which were in Louisiana due to flooding in the New
Orleans area.
We have no recommendations and plan to address lessons learned in subsequent
reports.
For further information,
contact our Office of
Congressional and Public
Liaison at (202) 566-2391.
To view the full report,
click on the following link:
www.epa.qov/oiq/reports/2006/
20060328-2006-P-00018.pdf

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