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  • How long will it take?

    The expectation is for cleaning to take less than one day. The duration will be dependent on the size of the structure and the scope of work.

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  • Do I need to leave my structure during the cleaning?

    While it is strongly recommended that you leave the property during the cleaning, you are not required to do so.

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  • What is EPA’s role?

    EPA will provide oversight of the cleaning.

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  • What about cleaning basements or attics?

    Basements or attics will be considered for cleaning if they are finished and habitable areas.

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  • What is the research workshop that National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the national academies are planning in East Palestine and the greater community?

    NIH is putting plans in place to work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to hold a workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to explore potential research priorities to understand the short- and longterm health impacts of the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment. The workshop will be…

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  • Will there be photos and videos taken of my property?

    Yes, photos and videos of your property will be taken as a requirement of the program. This is done to ensure that the conditions of the property both pre- and post-cleaning are documented thoroughly.

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  • What is EPA doing?

    EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.

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  • Who will conduct the cleaning?

    Cleaning will be performed by workers contracted by Norfolk Southern who are trained and experienced with structure cleaning. Cleaning teams will wear the following: badges, identification clothing, safety vest, shoe covers, gloves (when appropriate for the task), and face coverings (upon request by the property owner or renter).

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  • How can we be assured that this cleaning will remove any persistent hazardous material or substances?

    Based on air monitoring and sampling conducted in and around the community, there is no evidence to suggest there is contamination of concern inside structures.

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  • How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…

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  • What will cleaning involve?

    Cleaning will include a top-down approach, starting from the top floor and working down, addressing habitable spaces. Workers will wet-wipe accessible horizontal hard surfaces, wet mop hard floors, vacuum floors, carpets and appropriate soft surfaces, and dry dust appropriate vertical surfaces. Cleaning teams will not move appliances, and cleaning under…

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  • Was there any consideration for cleaning outside structures or conducting additional residential soil sampling?

    Cleaning under this program includes only the inside of structures. Based on soil sampling results from the Phase 1 soil sampling program, additional soil sampling is not necessary. You can find additional information on the EPA website .

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  • Why are street cleaners no longer watering Taggart the same way they used to?

    Street cleaners now lightly mist Taggart with water before using a vacuum truck to collect material from the road. Crews adopted this approach to keep sediment and dust out of the storm drains and Sulphur Run.

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  • What about duct cleaning?

    Per the recommendations of health agencies, duct cleaning is not necessary and will not be part of the cleaning under this program. However, if an individual in the village of East Palestine or in the 1-mile by 2-mile evacuation area would like to have their ducts cleaned separately, they may…

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  • Will cleaning the creeks be the last action taken at Sulphur Run and Leslie Run?

    EPA’s Order requires detailed identification (characterization) of contamination in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run. The stream characterization will include surface water and sediment testing for contaminants of concern including vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate. This stream characterization will find any areas of remaining contamination and inform the next steps for…

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