Learn the Issues
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EPA Building Visitor Logs
William Jefferson Clinton and Ronald Reagan Building entry logs, May 2021 to present.
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PRN 96-2: Changes to Child-Resistant Packaging (CRP) Testing Requirements
This pesticide registration notice announced revisions to the effectiveness standards applicable to child-resistant packaging (CRP).
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Success Stories from the PCB Cleanup and Disposal Program
Successful PCB cleanup and disposal projects
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Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report
Each year EPA produces a report called Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures. It includes information on municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, recycling, and disposal.
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PRN 97-1: Agency Actions under the Requirements of the Food Quality Protection Act
This pesticide registration notice describes EPA's implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act, including the risk cup and risk management strategies under the new safety standard.
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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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I heard there was some new data on dioxin, what does it mean?
EPA reviewed a presentation from an independent party offered at a recent community meeting that included confusing information. The high value highlighted, over 600,000 parts per trillion, was not the dioxin “toxic equivalency” (TEQ) value that is commonly used to compare soil data to appropriate standards, which is what EPA…
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Newsletter: East Palestine Train Derailment Response, 7-8-2024
Newsletter May 23 2024 for East Palestine Train Derailment Response
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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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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’s role?
EPA will provide oversight of the cleaning.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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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What about cleaning basements or attics?
Basements or attics will be considered for cleaning if they are finished and habitable areas.