Learn the Issues
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Tools for CI Facilities
WaterSense has a variety of tools to help commercial building facility staff to improve water use efficiency.
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Newsletter: East Palestine Train Derailment Response, 10-3-2023
Newsletter May 16 for East Palestien Train Derailment Response
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International Actions to Protect the Ozone Layer
This page describes the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and provides links to learn more about international actions to protect the ozone layer.
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Regulating Ozone-Depleting Substances Under the Clean Air Act
This page describes the regulation of ozone under the the Clean Air Act and provides links to learn more about the act and other, related programs.
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About Air Monitoring
Air monitoring process for the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment.
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Newsletter: East Palestine Train Derailment Response, 10-31-2024
Newsletter, Oct. 31, 2024 for East Palestine Train Derailment Response
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EPA Collaborations with Stakeholders to Protect the Ozone Layer
Access information on EPA's efforts to address ozone layer depletion through collaborations with other stakeholders, including federal government agencies and international treaties and initiatives.
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Newsletter: East Palestine Train Derailment Response, 3-21-2023
East Palestine Newsletter, 1st edition, serving East Palestine, Negley, Darlington and surrounding communities
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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…
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What is the East Palestine Potable Water Sampling Work Plan?
In February, EPA required Norfolk Southern to investigate drinking water sources through a work plan approved by responding agencies. The work plan is being used to monitor drinking water near the derailment site, and recently changed to include more areas for water sampling. These new areas were chosen based on…
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Can I grow a garden at home and eat the produce?
Yes. You can continue to use your yard as you normally would. Residential soil sampling results are within typical ranges for the area, and garden plants are generally considered safe to eat. Follow normal measures like peeling carrots and root vegetables and washing leafy greens.
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Is the air monitoring equipment detecting chemicals of concern?
Yes, the air monitoring and sampling equipment are capable of detecting many chemicals of concern in the community and currently detections are below levels of concern. Some of the monitoring equipment may not detect a portion of the chemicals at lower levels–specifically n-butyl acrylate. However, there are independent tools used…
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What are preliminary data and how are they different from validated results?
Preliminary data are the initial results received from samples sent to the laboratory. The general findings from this data may be used before validation if there is an immediate health or environmental threat. Data validation is the formal process by which experienced chemists assess the quality of the preliminary data…
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What’s the difference between air sampling and air monitoring?
Air monitoring and air sampling are two different methods of looking at air quality. Air monitoring uses electronic devices to provide real-time readings of contaminants in the air. Air sampling involves trapping air over a period of time in a container that is then sent to a laboratory for analysis…
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How is wastewater being collected at the derailment site?
EPA is ensuring that water coming into contact with the derailment site does not runoff into the surrounding area. Wastewater is generated after rain falls on a contaminated area, and from cleaning and washing trucks before they leave the derailment site. Wastewater is collected with pumps and pipes, and temporarily…
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What are the large blue tanks at the derailment site?
As EPA continues overseeing cleanup work at the derailment site, two large blue lake tanks will reduce EPA’s on-site frac tank footprint. Frac tanks, for smaller quantities of liquid storage, have been used since the derailment to stage liquid before it is removed for off-site disposal.
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Are the trucks leaving the derailment site spreading contamination?
Each truck leaving the derailment site that is carrying contaminated waste is checked to ensure all material is safely secured. Also, all trucks go through a washing process before departing the site. The washing process ensures the vehicles’ wheels and undercarriage are free of dirt and mud. Street sweepers are…
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Can I plant my vegetable garden and/or farm field?
There is no reason to believe that the particles in the smoke produced from the train derailment fire contain substances at levels of concern on residential, recreational, or agricultural properties. As an extra step, EPA is directing that soil sampling be conducted in areas most impacted by smoke and particles…
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Are odors from the derailment site dangerous?
As site work continues and waste is shipped off-site for disposal, there may be times where odors can be smelled. In general, many substances can cause odors in the outdoor air but not be at levels that can harm your health, but they can still affect your quality of life…
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What’s the difference between short-term and long-term chemical exposure levels?
Acute or short-term exposure assumes that a person has been exposed to a chemical for a short period of time. Long term, also known as chronic, exposure assumes a person has been constantly exposed to a chemical for a lifetime, or approximately 70 years.