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  • Why is the sentence incomplete on page 34 In the section about collaboration?

    Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It appears there was an issue converting the document to a PDF. The missing text will be reflected in a modification to the RFA which will be posted to grants.gov and the EPA's RFA website as soon as possible.

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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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  • Will my relocation assistance end if I request indoor cleaning from EPA?

    Residents within the eligible area–the village of East Palestine and the 1-mile by 2-mile Ohio-Pennsylvania evacuation area–who request indoor cleaning through EPA are still able to receive relocation assistance. Norfolk Southern has committed to give at least a 60-day notice to people receiving relocation assistance before this assistance can end…

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  • Why is Page 34 In the "data interpretation, statistical analysis and report writing, item (3) of effective plans" empty?

    Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It appears there was an issue converting the document to a PDF. The missing text will be reflected in a modification to the RFA which will be posted to grants.gov and the EPA's RFA website as soon as possible.

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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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  • How long will I be eligible for relocation assistance from Norfolk Southern?

    While an official end date has yet to be determined, it is expected that you would return to your home after getting it cleaned and would no longer require relocation assistance.

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  • Where can I find soil sampling data and results?

    EPA will release validated (final) and non-validated (preliminary) soil sampling results from East Palestine and surrounding Ohio and Pennsylvania areas as they become available. As soon as the quality of non-validated preliminary data has been fully assessed and documented, EPA will post validated data on the East Palestine, Ohio Train…

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  • What do the symbols and words on my water well sampling results mean?

    One common symbol on results is μg/L, which stands for microgram per liter. This indicates the mass of a chemical in one liter of water. Columbiana County Health District has a guide to help understand terms in well sampling results reports. You can find the guide at Columbiana Health Data…

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  • What are soil sampling results compared to?

    Levels of contaminants in soils are compared to EPA regional screening levels and known typical concentration levels in soil. Screening levels are a tool that responders use to identify potential risks to human health and the environment and if there is a need for further investigation. Screening levels are health…

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  • What is the status of the soil sampling effort?

    As of early May 2023, 148 locations have been sampled. Each location includes a shallow sample (0-1 inch) and deeper sample (1-6 inches). The data were validated by experienced chemists to assess the quality of the preliminary data. During the data validation process, chemists check to see that the data…

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  • What chemicals did the soil sampling plan focus on?

    The soil sampling plan focused on determining if the area was impacted by soot and ash from the vent and burn and if the area was significantly impacted compared to areas not impacted by soot and ash. Samples were analyzed for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and dioxins (including furans). To…

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  • Why was the well water priority zone boundary extended?

    The priority zones are extended to reflect additional testing done by Columbiana County Health District and Norfolk Southern. The purpose of this extension is to ensure that drinking water supplies downstream to the Ohio River are monitored. The extension is not due to any additional environmental or health concerns. As…

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