Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 63 results

• 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…

  • Last published: April 9, 2024

• 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…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• What is the definition of “overburdened community” that is relevant for EPA Actions and Promising Practices?

  EPA Actions and Promising Practices apply the description of overburdened communities articulated in EPA’s Plan EJ 2014. The term is used to describe the minority, low‐income, tribal and indigenous populations or communities in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks due to exposures or cumulative impacts…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• How will an EPA regional office determine whether a permitted activity impacts a potential overburdened community? What screening tool or process will EPA regional offices use to screen permit applications?

  The Agency has developed a nationally consistent screening tool to help identify communities that are potentially overburdened. This tool, known as EJSCREEN, is one of several tools being developed under Plan EJ 2014. EPA anticipates that its regional offices will use EJSCREEN and other readily available information, including known community…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Some of the Promising Practices are mentioned in EPA regulations, guidance and recommendations that EPA has issued in the past. So why is EPA issuing the Promising Practices?

  EPA is issuing Promising Practices to encourage permit applicants to strategically plan and conduct enhanced outreach to overburdened communities in the permitting process. As some commenters noted, EPA has recommended some of the outreach strategies included in Promising Practices previously. Nevertheless, EPA believes that it is important to issue Promising…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• 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…

  • Last published: August 1, 2024

• How much flexibility do applicants have in refining the Outcomes and Outcomes over time using an adaptive management approach?

  Full Question How much flexibility do applicants have in refining the Outcomes and Outputs identified in their application over time using an adaptive management approach? Answer EPA recognizes that “adaptive management” can be an effective tool in getting the best results. Adjustments to outputs and outcomes based on the adaptive…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• Do we have to pair hands-on, place-based Great Lakes enviro education with one of the other GLRI actions/related MOP?

  Full Question Do we have to pair hands-on, place-based Great Lakes enviro education (i.e., GLRI Measure of Progress, GLRI MOP 5.1.1 youth impacted through education and stewardship projects) with one of the other GLRI actions/related MOP? Answer Projects that relate to 5.1.1 are not required to connect to another specific…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• Could an organization in the coalition be a Project Subrecipient if there is a conflict-of-interest policy in place?

  Full Question If we develop a conflict-of-interest policy and require recusal from evaluating or prioritizing projects where a conflict arises, would this allow EJ orgs to submit projects for funding even if they are getting paid to advise on the structure and process for the re-grant program and participation in…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• Should applications include Outputs and Outcomes related to Project Subrecipient evaluation criteria?

  EPA cannot provide a recommendation on this question. Applicants must decide whether or not they develop outputs and outcomes based on Project Subrecipient evaluation criteria for themselves. Please see section I.F. for information on Outcomes, Outputs, and Performance Metrics which includes information on performance measurement and evaluation plans.

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• How do applicants reflect the 6th year of funding on the SF424A form, as there is only room for 5 years?

  We realize this is a limitation of the form and expect applicants to provide information to the best of their ability. Applicants should also provide sufficient information in the budget narrative section of their application.

  • Last published: September 5, 2024

• Is there an expectation on whether small subawards, for ~ $50K, or large subawards, for ~$750K are preferable? For example, a large subaward could be the only thing a regional PR could award if they ask for the minimum of $2,000,000.

  The RFA does not state a preference for the size of the subaward, so long as the subaward is within the $50,000 to $750,000 limit. GLNPO will look to applicants to describe the program to be carried out and why this amount of subaward funding makes sense for their specific…

  • Last published: September 5, 2024

• 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…

  • Last published: September 5, 2024

• 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…

  • Last published: October 16, 2024

• 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…

  • Last published: November 18, 2024