New evidence may reveal NYC’s knowledge of 9/11 toxins at Ground Zero, potentially shedding light on the city’s actions over the past 20 years.

A protracted effort, spanning two decades, to uncover what New York City knew about the toxic air surrounding Ground Zero in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks is now approaching a significant milestone. Following a directive issued eight weeks ago, the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) has prepared to receive extensive data from various city agencies concerning the matter.

In mid-July, the City Council mandated the DOI to conduct a thorough review of documents related to 9/11 toxins. The DOI subsequently reached out to every relevant agency, requesting them to identify and submit any pertinent records. The response from these agencies has reportedly been substantial, prompting the DOI to consider hiring an external investigations firm to effectively analyze the incoming data.

The DOI has indicated that almost all contacted agencies have complied with the request to submit documents related to 9/11 toxins. Some agencies are providing information that directly addresses the request, while others are preparing more general data regarding the aftermath of the attacks. However, specific details regarding which agencies have responded have not been disclosed.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber acknowledged that the investigation faces a considerable challenge, as the volume of records anticipated will require meticulous evaluation. The DOI intends to assess what the city knew and when it knew it, along with interviewing witnesses and consulting environmental experts. Strauber has stated that the complexity of this investigation will surpass the DOI’s current resources, necessitating the engagement of an outside firm for assistance. The DOI has been given a timeline of two years to produce a comprehensive report on its findings.

The swift and positive response to the request for documents marks a significant shift in what has been a lengthy pursuit of information. In previous years, both the Adams administration and its predecessors resisted disclosing these documents, claiming difficulties in locating them and expressing concerns about potential lawsuits from survivors and first responders suffering from illnesses related to 9/11 toxins.

Numerous Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, filed by attorneys representing affected survivors, yielded little to no results. Courts repeatedly dismissed claims that organizations like the city’s Department of Environmental Protection possessed the requested information, often characterizing the efforts as speculative fishing expeditions.

In stark contrast, the recent findings from the DOI investigation have been hailed as remarkable by legal advocates. One attorney representing 9/11 survivors remarked that it should not have required extraordinary DOI action for the city to comply with past FOIL requests made two years prior. The attorney criticized City Hall for failing to respond to inquiries from New York’s Congressional delegation regarding similar documents.

In a unanimous resolution passed by the City Council on July 14, the DOI has been assigned to investigate the information that the city held about Ground Zero toxins and the timeline of that knowledge. This action represents the first time a provision of the City Charter has enabled the City Council to compel the DOI to undertake an investigation through legislative means.

Currently, more than 127,000 first responders and survivors are part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s WTC Health Program, which provides healthcare benefits for medical conditions linked to the toxic exposure at Ground Zero. Approximately 81,000 of these individuals have been certified with conditions related to 9/11 toxins, amid growing concerns about potential liability claims exceeding 10,000.

As the DOI reviews the extensive documentation received, all eyes will be on the findings, which may ultimately shed light on the extent of the city’s knowledge about the post-9/11 environmental hazards and their ongoing impact on public health and safety. The unfolding investigation underscores a critical chapter in the long-term recovery and accountability following one of the most significant tragedies in American history.