Document RJNBoZ8oxDQEOjqV6QjGQ22Nv

Message From: Sent: To: Subject: Rhymes, Alturo [RhymesA@cbsnews.com] 9/12/2017 3:45:34 PM Abboud, Michael [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=ExchangeAdministrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b6f5af791al842fladcc088cbf9ed3ce-Abboud, Mic]; Press [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press] RE: CBS News Inquiry: Contaminated Water/Houston Harvey Thanks Michael!! From: Abboud, Michael [mailto:abboud.michael@epa.gov] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 11:41 AM To: Press <Press@epa.gov>; Rhymes, Alturo <RhymesA@cbsnews.com> Subject: RE: CBS News Inquiry: Contaminated Water/Houston Harvey Alturo, wanted to provide you a statement on the floodwaters in Houston that you can attribute to an EPA spokesman. Also provided below is information on Superfund sites from our latest press release that came out last night. Here is the link to the press release, https://www.epa.gOv/newsreleases/epat:ceq-updated-st:atus-syst:ems-affect:ed-harvey-0 STATEMENT: "EPA is focused on sampling the water quality of industrial facilities and hazardous waste sites. We continue to caution people in the affected areas that floodwaters contain many hazards, including bacteria and other contaminants, and proper precautions should be taken by those exposed to floodwaters. Those exposed to floodwater should heed all warnings from local and state authorities regarding safety advisories." - EPA Spokesman FROM PRESS RELEASE: Superfund Sites: The EPA and the TCEQ continue to get updates about the status of specific sites from the parties responsible for ongoing cleanup of the sites. The TCEQ has completed the assessment of all 17 state Superfund sites in the affected area. There were no major issues noted. The TCEQ will continue to monitor sites to ensure no further action is needed in regards to the storm. The EPA completed site assessments at all 43 Superfund sites affected by the storm. Of these sites, two (San Jacinto and U.S. Oil Recovery) require additional assessment efforts. Work continues at both the San Jacinto Waste Pits and U.S. Oil Recovery Superfund sites. The EPA has directed potential responsible parties or has independently started collecting samples at the 43 Superfund sites to further confirm any impacts from the storm. Sampling efforts of all Texas sites are expected to be completed this week with sample results available soon. Sampling of Louisiana sites will begin within the next two weeks. From: Rhymes, Alturo [mailto:RhymesA@cbsnews.com1 Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 11:07 AM To: Press <Press@epa.gov> Subject: CBS News Inquiry: Contaminated Water/Houston Harvey Hello, I am a producer at CBS News in New York. I am working on a story for tonight's broadcast on the issue of contaminations being found in the flood waters in Houston. Both the New York Times: https://www.nvtimes.com/ 2017/09/ ll/ h e a lt h /houston-flood--contamination.html Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Prod 1 ED 002061 00025362-00001 And CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/03/us/houston-texas-fiood-3ftermath/index.htm have done stories and I am hoping to get some response statement from the EPA about the worries/concerns which these articles highlight. In addition, I am hoping to get an update on the EPA's work in evaluating the Superfund sites which were flooded by Hurricane Harvey and any information on any analysis of what has been found. If someone can get back to me as soon as possible, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Alturo Rhymes Producer, CBS News/CBS Evening Hews office Ex. 6 cell cell rhymesa@cbsnews.com Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Prod 1 ED 002061 00025362-00002