Learn the Issues
-
What about cleaning basements or attics?
Basements or attics will be considered for cleaning if they are finished and habitable areas.
-
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…
-
Will someone explain the process to me so that I can decide if I want cleaning?
During your pre-cleaning interview, representatives from EPA and Norfolk Southern will explain the cleaning process, assess time and resource needs, answer questions, and if desired schedule a cleaning date.
-
Do I have to sign an access agreement?
Yes. After you meet with representatives from EPA and Norfolk Southern to discuss the cleanup of your home or place of business and agree to move forward with the cleaning, you will be asked to sign an access agreement. This form documents the occupant giving EPA permission to access the…
-
I’m not concerned about dust. What about chemicals that may have been released by the event or the cleanup?
The air and soil in and around the community has been monitored and sampled, and results confirm our confidence that the air and soil in East Palestine and surrounding communities, including inside homes, is not a concern for incident specific chemicals. While community testing conducted to date has not indicated…
-
Managing Air Quality - Setting Air Quality Goals
Air quality goal setting is the process by which a government establishes objectives for its air quality management system.
-
EPA Decision Documents for Emergency Exemption Requests for Use Of Grignard Pure
Decision Documents for Emergency Exemption Requests for Use Of Grignard Pure
-
E3 Success Story - Recovering Profit Margin: Lehigh Press Puerto Rico
Lehigh Press was invited to participate in the Green Supply Network (GSN) program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency through PRiMEX and the MEP centers.
-
E3 Webinar Presentations
The E3 Support Network provided webinar presentations offering information about E3-related tools and resources.
-
Determining If a Cleaning Product Is a Pesticide Under FIFRA
Information that describes the Agency’s interpretation of the statutory and regulatory language applicable to products marketed as cleaning products that claim, state or imply that they mitigate a pest.
-
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.
-
What should I do with my pets during cleaning?
Pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.) cannot remain in the home during cleaning. You will need to make arrangements for your pets. We recommend first speaking with your neighbors, friends, and relatives, who may be able to care for your pets during the cleaning. If this option is not available…
-
Can I leave my car or other vehicles on my property while I am away?
The cleaning team will need workspace outside of your home or place of business to set up trailers and equipment. If it is determined that your vehicles need to be moved, you should arrange to temporarily remove them from your property.
-
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.
-
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.
-
What is EPA’s role?
EPA will provide oversight of the cleaning.
-
How will a cleaning date be scheduled?
A scheduling specialist will contact you to find a date and time for a pre-cleaning interview at your home or place of business.
-
I have kids who are on a strict nap schedule. Will someone pay for childcare?
We recommend first speaking with your neighbors, friends, and relatives, who may be able to help while you are away during the cleaning. If this option is not available, residents can contact the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center for alternative options.
-
What should I do with food items?
Any food in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator/freezer that you will not need while you are away can be left in place. This includes items such as spices, canned, boxed, and bagged foods, and refrigerated/frozen foods. Before you leave your home or office, please be sure to empty all garbage…
-
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 .