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  • How does EPA oversee cleanup at the derailment site?

    EPA leads the Unified Command consisting of different agencies to approve Norfolk Southern’s workplans and weekly activities. EPA also coordinates with other agencies to perform oversight, such as with Ohio EPA, the Columbiana County Health District, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. EPA and Ohio EPA personnel oversee safety…

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  • What are the health agencies doing?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are analyzing their Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey results to assess the health impacts of the train derailment. CDC and ATSDR continue to support the Ohio and Pennsylvania health departments and will be…

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  • Now that the track is rebuilt, what else needs to be done and how long will it take?

    There is still a lot of work to do. Contaminated soil to the north and south of the tracks need to be removed. A full site assessment, including extensive sampling, of areas and properties near the derailment site needs to be conducted. A full assessment of impacted creeks will be…

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  • Can I use clothes, towels, and bedding that I left behind in my structure?

    Yes. However, it is recommended the occupant launder clothes, towels and bedding as normal.

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  • If there is a government shutdown, will work continue on the cleanup?

    A 45-day continuing resolution was recently passed to avoid a shutdown. EPA’s emergency response efforts, such as in East Palestine, would move forward under a lapse in appropriation. As a result, EPA personnel would continue to fully support those efforts during a lapse.

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  • What is the process for refilling excavated areas at the derailment site?

    Areas that were excavated as part of the derailment cleanup effort will be backfilled with clean soil. Before soil is chosen as backfill it is tested for chemicals and heavy metals. While the source of backfill is still being identified, some areas have been temporarily backfilled with ballast (large gravel)…

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  • How do federal and state agencies get notified of a chemical or oil spill requiring an emergency response?

    By law, companies or individuals who spill hazardous chemicals or oil are required to call the National Response Center (NRC) if the quantity is above reporting limits. The NRC then notifies federal, state and local responders. Most States have additional reporting requirements that are separate from the NRC.

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  • Will samples be collected after cleaning is completed?

    Indoor air or surface samples will not be collected as part of this cleaning program. Indoor sampling is not recommended since exposure pathways for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) have been effectively managed though site engineering controls and an extensive network of air monitoring and sampling equipment. Any VOCs that may…

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  • Interested in voicing your opinions and concerns related to the derailment?

    A team of engineering and public affairs researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago, Cleveland State University, and Purdue University are conducting a study to understand community members’ experiences and perceptions related to water, home, and environmental impacts after the East Palestine train derailment. If you’d like to participate, sign-up…

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  • There is mud on my car from driving on Taggart Street. Is this contaminated?

    No, all site vehicles are washed and cleaned before leaving the operational areas. Vehicles carrying contaminated soil are tightly covered and checked before entering Taggart. Street sweepers clean dust and residual dirt from the surrounding roads, so any mud would not be from contaminated areas.

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  • Why are there new water pipes being installed and hydrants open in town?

    The East Palestine Water Department recently started a water main and lead service line replacement program that will continue through spring 2024. This is not related to the train derailment but is a long-term project that has been in the planning stages for a few years. Work is completed on…

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  • Can I go visit the derailment site?

    No. The site will remain closed to the public until work is completed for health and safety reasons. If you missed our “Track Talk” information session on May 18, the session showed a video and several photos of progress at the site.

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  • How will I know when I can return?

    EPA representatives will keep you informed about the progress of the cleaning. The cleaning team will provide an estimate of cleaning time when they arrive. You will be notified when cleaning is wrapping up so that you can return. Representatives of the cleaning team will not leave until you return…

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  • If I have concerns about wildlife, who do I contact?

    Contact the following agencies if you have concerns or questions about wildlife: OHIO RESIDENTS: Ohio Division of Natural Resources, 1-800-WILDLIFE or (800) 945-3543 PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS: The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Centralized Dispatch Center at 1-833-PGC-WILD or 1-833-742-9453

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