Learn the Issues
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Mystic River Watershed Pre-Steering Committee Meeting, December 3, 2008
Document(s) from the December 3, 2008 Pre-Steering Committee Meeting for the Mystic River Watershed.
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Mystic River Watershed Pre-Steering Committee Meeting, October 6, 2008
Document(s) from the October 6, 2008 Pre-Steering Committee Meeting for the Mystic River Watershed.
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Mystic River Watershed Steering Committee Meeting, September 14, 2017
Document(s) from the September 14, 2017 Steering Committee Meeting for the Mystic River Watershed.
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Mystic River Watershed Steering Committee Meeting, November 30, 2017
Document(s) from the November 30, 2017 Steering Committee Meeting for the Mystic River Watershed.
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Inter-Agency Advisory Committee (IAAC) Meeting Minutes Archive
Archive of minutes for Inter-Agency Advisory Committee (IAAC) meetings
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Cleanup Agreements for the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site
Learn more about consent decree, RCRA agreements, definitive economic development agreement, 1 1/2 mile bershier gas settlement agreement, cost recovery, and prospective purchaser agreement.
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Mystic River Watershed Steering Committee Meeting, April 13, 2017
Document(s) from the April 13, 2017 Steering Committee Meeting for the Mystic River Watershed.
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Mystic River Watershed Municipal Subcommittee IDDE Workshop, October 29, 2015
Document(s) from the October 29, 2015 Municipal Subcommittee Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program Workshop for the Mystic River Watershed.
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TMDL Report and Approval Documents for Boston Harbor, Weymouth-Weir, and Mystic Watersheds, MA
View supporting documents for Boston Harbor, Weymouth-Weir, and Mystic Watersheds in Massachusetts.
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Electronic Preventive Maintenance Logs
Individual files of the Electronic Preventive Maintenance Logs.
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2017 - 2021 Allotment of Federal Funds for States, Tribes, and Territories
DWSRF, Allotment of Federal Funds for States, Tribes, and Territories
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Newsletter: East Palestine Train Derailment Response, 4-25-2023
April 25 newsletter in html for East Palestine Train Derailment Response
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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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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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What else can cause urine to test positive for thiodiglycolic acid?
Thiodiglycolic acid is commonly found in general populations who have not been exposed to vinyl chloride. Some sources can include: Certain foods including raw onions, meat, poultry, and seafood. Some medications, including Zyrtec, and vitamins. Alcoholic beverages. Smoke including from wood fireplaces, cooking, and cigarettes. Some household products including paints…
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Should I get tested?
We have heard residents’ concerns about potential exposure to vinyl chloride. EPA air monitoring data results show vinyl chloride below levels of health concerns. Available biological tests do not accurately assess exposure to vinyl chloride at levels present from this incident.
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What are SVOCs (and VOCs)?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that can readily transform into vapor (a gas) at lower temperatures. Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are more likely to be liquids or solids at lower temperatures. Some examples of products that include SVOCs are many pesticides, oil-based products, and fire retardants…
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Is our East Palestine City Park safe for activities?
Yes. Results show that levels of dioxin and semi-volatile organic compounds are well below any levels that we would consider restricting activities, and all are either at or below typical background levels for soil in the United States. In addition, the village has cleaned all recreational equipment, including the pool…
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If I get a urine test, what does that indicate?
If I get a urine test, what does that indicate? Urine tests show the level of thiodiglycolic acid–a break-down product of vinyl chloride. A complete lab report will show your thiodiglyocolic acid results compared to the normal range commonly found in people in the United States. But this test does…
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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…