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  • Is formaldehyde a contaminant of concern from the derailment?

    Last week, an East Palestine resident reported to EPA that they had a skin reaction from handling soil in their backyard after digging a swimming pool. EPA tested the soil and did not detect high hazard chemicals. The device used for testing did indicate that low levels of formaldehyde might…

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  • What is being tested for in EPA’s air testing program?

    Seventy-five different chemicals are tested for on the derailment site and around East Palestine. The air monitoring and sampling network includes 9 monitoring stations, 8 sampling stations, a MINICAM van, and the PTR-MS laboratory vans.

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  • How do I notify the EPA that I am interested?

    You can let us know by calling 330-775-6517 , or visiting the EPA Community Welcome Center or the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center. If you previously contacted EPA to inquire about interest in the program, there is no need to contact us again. Please note that there will be an…

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  • How many trucks are still expected throughout the day? What is in the trucks?

    Up to 50-100 water, soil, and support vehicles per day are still anticipated as remaining contaminated soil and treated wastewater are shipped off-site. Also, as excavation concludes, trucks will enter the derailment site with clean soil (backfill).

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  • Can I park on Taggart Street?

    No, parking is not permitted.

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  • Are street sweeping and road wetting still taking place?

    Yes, street sweeping and road wetting on Taggart Street will continue on the roads surrounding the derailment site. Street sweepers and water trucks move slowly, so please exercise caution if you are behind either of these vehicles.

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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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  • What are current results for Ohio EPA’s stream and fish monitoring?

    Recent biological sampling in the streams includes habitat, fish, and macroinvertebrate (aquatic bugs) collection. Fish sampling results indicate that the fish community has returned to pre-spill conditions in Leslie Run near Negley. Fish community scores, a way to measure aquatic health, range from 1 (poor water quality) to 60 (high…

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  • Who would be liable for the fine if a state or local government that was not a certified firm hired a contractor that was not certified?

    Answer: The hired firm would be in violation of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule if it was uncertified and performing a covered renovation. Question Number: 23002-24814 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • When will water no longer need to be collected to be returned to Sulphur Run?

    We anticipate in the next two-to-four weeks, this work will start in sections of the derailment site. Soil analysis during the double-check phase is needed to remove the hazardous waste listing from the collected wastewater. Data are showing that water flowing over or through sections of the derailment area do…

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  • Why treat the collected water?

    Water collected at the site has the potential to have come into contact with vinyl chloride and other contaminants from the derailment. After the collected wastewater is treated it is then tested, and if it is not hazardous, can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste.

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  • Can I grow a garden at home and eat the produce?

    Yes. You can continue to use your yard as you normally would. Residential soil sampling results are within typical ranges for the area, and garden plants are generally considered safe to eat. Follow normal measures like peeling carrots and root vegetables and washing leafy greens.

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  • What is the East Palestine Potable Water Sampling Work Plan?

    In February, EPA required Norfolk Southern to investigate drinking water sources through a work plan approved by responding agencies. The work plan is being used to monitor drinking water near the derailment site, and recently changed to include more areas for water sampling. These new areas were chosen based on…

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  • Where are trucks supposed to drive near the derailment site?

    Trucks leaving or entering the site have an approved route. Currently, trucks can travel along East Taggart, North Pleasant, and East Martin. As truck traffic increases, you may notice more trucks along East Martin Street. Also, not all trucks are transporting contaminated material. Some trucks also carry clean material to…

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  • How is solid waste stored on-site before disposal?

    After excavation, solid waste removed from the site is temporarily staged in piles. These piles are securely covered with thick tarps. Liners are also installed below the piles, to help protect the ground underneath them. Berms are also in place to ensure rainwater that falls on the piles is collected…

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