NYC uncovers 68 boxes of documents related to 9/11 toxins at Ground Zero, contradicting previous claims of having no information.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has recently uncovered a substantial cache of documents—comprising 68 boxes—pertaining to the toxic environment following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This revelation comes in stark contrast to previous claims made by city officials, who asserted that no relevant records existed regarding what City Hall understood about the contamination risks at Ground Zero.

The discovered materials encompass a directive issued two decades ago by the city Law Department, instructing the DEP to preserve information related to the attacks that could potentially be valuable in future litigation. Andrew Carboy, an attorney representing 911 Health Watch, an advocacy group for responders and survivors, expressed skepticism over the city’s long-standing assertions that no documentation was available, suggesting a systemic failure to provide crucial information to affected parties.

Carboy voiced concerns over the city’s handling of the matter, indicating that the new findings raise questions about the DEP’s transparency and adherence to legal requirements. He alleged that the city had engaged in a concerted effort to withhold relevant data from first responders and survivors grappling with health issues linked to their exposure at Ground Zero.

City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, who had persistently sought access to these documents, joined Carboy in reviewing a portion of the boxes. She noted the organized nature of the materials and criticized the protracted delay in their release. Brewer previously advocated for legislation that prompted the Department of Investigation (DOI) to conduct an inquiry into the city’s knowledge and actions concerning the hazardous conditions following the 9/11 attacks.

Although the DEP has faced pressure and scrutiny over document retrieval, it has maintained that efforts to locate relevant records had been thorough. Initially, city attorneys indicated that no responsive documents could be found, framing subsequent inquiries as unproductive. However, the large volume of material now available suggests significant discrepancies between earlier statements and the reality of the situation.

Additionally, following the commencement of the DOI investigation, interest in the contents of these documents has surged. Officials from the DOI reported that the volume of information collected was already overwhelming, prompting discussions about enlisting external assistance to analyze the data thoroughly.

Concerns about potential litigation arising from these disclosures have also been articulated. More than 140,000 first responders and survivors are enrolled in the WTC Health Program, which offers healthcare benefits to those suffering from illnesses related to exposure to toxic substances at the site. Notably, a majority of these individuals have signed waivers to forfeit their right to sue, alleviating some apprehension regarding a potential legal backlash following the document release.

As investigations and reviews continue to unfold, the implications of the unearthed documents could have lasting impacts on the understanding of the health risks faced by 9/11 responders and survivors. Those overseeing the matter remain optimistic that the findings will shed light on the extent of the city’s knowledge and responsibilities regarding the aftermath of one of the most pivotal events in American history.