Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 1 - 15 of 25 results

  • Will participating in the program preclude me from receiving other benefits or participating in or filing a claim against Norfolk Southern?

    No.

    • Last published:

  • Do settlement communications, such as past “agreements in principle,” impact the implementation of the final Consent Decrees?

    The parties are bound by the terms of the various final, publicly available consent decrees. These consent decrees were made available for public comment before they were finalized and entered by the Court. Past settlement communications and documents created in the course of settlement discussions have been incorporated (or not)…

    • Last published:

  • What is the Confidentiality Order?

    The Confidentiality Order (Order) is a court order entered by the Federal District Court for the District of Montana (Court) on August 8, 2002, and amended by the Court on December 31, 2003, that applies to Superfund settlement negotiations in the Clark Fork River Basin, including the following sites: Silver…

    • Last published:

  • How does EPA ensure that the potentially responsible parties complete their work?

    All cleanup activities performed by the PRPs are subject to enforcement instruments (i.e., consent decrees or administrative orders) that provide for EPA approval of all deliverables and oversight of all work performed by the PRPs.

    • Last published:

  • Can you explain who has authority over the active mine vs the Superfund site?

    The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has regulatory authority over the active mine. EPA is the lead agency for the Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site and works in consultation with MDEQ to ensure the cleanup of the Site.

    • Last published:

  • Where can I go to learn more?

    PitWatch.org is the online home of the Berkeley Pit Public Education Committee. This volunteer committee educates residents, students, and the public about the environmental management of the Berkeley Pit.  Information includes the geology, hydrology, current events, and ongoing academic research associated with the Berkeley Pit. This committee frequently shares their…

    • Last published:

  • When will construction begin in the Silver-Bow Creek Corridor?

    Construction in the Silver Bow Creek corridor began in 2024 with the Grove Gulch Project.

    • Last published:

  • Why is the Confidentiality Order important?

    The Confidentiality Order (Order) has been, and continues to be, effective in assisting the parties in reaching settlements under the framework established by the Court in US v. ARCO and still pending in court – six consent decrees to date have been entered since the Order was issued. There are…

    • Last published:

  • Who pays for it?

    Norfolk Southern will cover costs associated with home and place of business cleaning.

    • Last published:

  • What projects has EPA been involved with in Butte related to the Superfund site?

    A variety of actions and activities have been implemented to address the contamination in Butte, including: Assessments of risk have been conducted to quantify actual and potential human health risks due to potential exposure to tailings, waste rock, yard soils, indoor dust, attic dust, mercury vapor, surface water, and ground…

    • Last published:

  • Why were the consent decree negotiations under a confidentiality order?

    The confidentiality order was issued by the federal district court in 2002 to encourage and facilitate settlement negotiations. The court determined that the confidentially order was appropriate to ensure that the parties were afforded the opportunity to engage in frank, open discussion so that litigation could be settled promptly and…

    • Last published:

  • Who is eligible for home cleaning?

    Anyone who lives in the village of East Palestine limits or within the 1-mile by 2-mile Ohio-Pennsylvania evacuation area is eligible for this service (see map). Priority will be given to those that have been relocated. If you’re interested, you can let us know by calling 330-775-6517 , filling out…

    • Last published:

  • Do I have to sign an access agreement?

    Yes. After you meet with representatives from EPA and Norfolk Southern to discuss the cleanup of your home or place of business and agree to move forward with the cleaning, you will be asked to sign an access agreement. This form documents the occupant giving EPA permission to access the…

    • Last published:

  • I rent. Can I give permission for cleaning, or does it have to go through the owner?

    You should review your lease to ensure there is not an issue and contact your property owner for clarification as needed.

    • Last published:

  • Who is eligible?

    Anyone within the village of East Palestine, Ohio limits or within the 1-mile by 2-mile Ohio-Pennsylvania evacuation area is eligible for this service.

    • Last published: