Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 1 - 15 of 22 results

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • 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)…

    • Last published:

  • Does the Fee Rule for Abatement and RRP Programs apply nationwide?

    Answer: The rule applies only in those states and tribes without their own authorized lead programs. Currently, EPA implements the Lead-based Paint Activities program in 11 states and the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule in 36 states. Question Number: 23002-33305 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions…

    • Last published:

  • Who is affected by the Fee Rule for Lead Abatement and Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Programs?

    The Fee Rule for Lead Abatement and RRP Programs establishes fees that will be charged for training programs seeking accreditation, for firms engaged in renovations seeking certification and for individuals (for example, risk assessors) or firms engaged in lead-based paint activities that govern lead abatement, inspection and risk assessment activities…

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • Where can I get more information on the Fee Rule for Lead Abatement and Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Programs?

    Answer: You can find fee rule information at Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rules . You can also contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD . Question Number: 23002-33298 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • Why have the fees for Lead-Based Paint Activities program decreased since they were first implemented in 1999?

    Since 1999, EPA has made substantial changes in the way it administers its accreditation and certification program. The transition to the automated federal Lead-based Paint Program (FLPP) database and the associated centralized data processing has resulted in lower overall costs of the Lead-Based Paint Activities program . Question Number: 23002-33300…

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • What costs does EPA incur that must be recovered by the fees under the Fee Rule for Abatement and RRP Programs?

    Answer: The fees recover EPA's costs for processing applications, enforcing program requirements, and administrative activities such as maintenance of the central database and administering certification examinations. Question Number: 23002-33303 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

    • Last published: