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  • How is waste leaving the derailment site tracked?

    EPA on-scene coordinators are assigned to track liquid–and solid–waste trucks entering and leaving the derailment site. They log every truck, oversee the loading and covering of waste, truck washing and weighing, and the proper placement of placards. Responders take pictures throughout the process. All trucks go to approved and regulated…

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  • What happens after the track work is completed?

    The track work has been the highest priority to remove most contamination as early as possible. This, plus preventing the spread of contamination by capturing water from the site and constructing a bypass of Sulphur Run around the site will continue into June. While track work and water management continue…

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  • Where can I find the East Palestine City Park soil sampling results?

    You can find East Palestine City Park soil sampling results at: East Palestine City Park soil sampling results

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  • What does the on-site wastewater treatment process on site entail?

    EPA has approved a workplan to allow Norfolk Southern to treat hazardous wastewater on-site, removing vinyl chloride and other contaminants to dispose of the treated wastewater off-site as a non-hazardous waste. Currently, the train derailment site generates nearly one million gallons of wastewater per week from the collection of stormwater…

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  • Where is the treated wastewater going?

    The wastewater treatment system removes derailment contaminants using several steps, including sedimentation and filtration. The treated wastewater is then tested to verify vinyl chloride is below the drinking water standard. Once treated, water is sent to facilities certified to accept non-hazardous wastewater and that are regulated by federal and state…

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  • Are there health risks to driving through Taggart Street?

    There are no anticipated health risks along Taggart Street associated with project activities. As work proceeds, to ensure worker and community safety, the Unified Command will continue to evaluate site conditions for health and safety considerations. While traffic will be able to proceed through the work areas along Taggart Street…

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  • Does EPA’s announcement of June 18, 2010 modify the Lead Renovation Repair and Painting Rule’s requirements that contractors use lead-safe work practices when working in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities?

    Answer: This announcement does not change the requirement that all contractors take steps to protect children and families from the dangers of lead poisoning by becoming certified and following the work practice standards and the associated recordkeeping requirements. As of April 22, 2010 all contractors have been required to be…

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  • How does the June 18, 2010 announcement impact renovators in states that have adopted their own RRP programs?

    Answer: If you work in a state authorized by EPA to run their own renovation program, you should contact them for information on their certification requirements. If you work in a state where EPA administers the renovation program your firm needs to be certified by EPA. Please refer to the…

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  • How much waste was removed as part of the cleanup efforts?

    In late October, EPA announced the completion of major derailment site excavation. Remaining contaminated soil and debris were removed for off-site treatment or disposal. Contact water continues to be treated in an on-site wastewater treatment system prior to removal for off-site disposal. As of November 13, over 174,000 tons of…

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  • Thousands of renovators are already trained and their firms are EPA certified. Will EPA enforce against renovators who did not receive their training certification before December 31, 2010?

    It is most important that all contractors follow the RRP work practice standards. However, EPA is providing additional time for renovation firms and workers to obtain the necessary training and certifications before the enforcement of the firm certification and individual renovator requirements begins. Therefore, renovators who have not been able…

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  • Are the trucks leaving the derailment site spreading contamination?

    Each truck leaving the derailment site that is carrying contaminated waste is checked to ensure all material is safely secured. Also, all trucks go through a washing process before departing the site. The washing process ensures the vehicles’ wheels and undercarriage are free of dirt and mud. Street sweepers are…

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  • What were the results from the phase 1 of soil sampling?

    Phase 1 of soil sampling is complete, and we have received most of the preliminary data. The vast majority of results are within typical ranges for soil. Samples taken on private properties are all within typical soil levels, and only a few samples taken along public right-of-way (next to roads…

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  • What are the next steps?

    The sampling data will be evaluated to determine if additional sampling or other action is necessary (additional information will be made available soon). Evaluation of results and future sampling plans will guide EPA’s future work and environmental monitoring in the East Palestine area.

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  • How were soil sample locations chosen?

    The study area was determined based on evacuation zones, plume modeling, field observations, and areas most likely to be impacted by the vent and burn. Event Reconstruction Plume Map

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  • What is the process for backfilling 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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