Learn the Issues
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What is the status of the cleanup at the site?
In October 2023, it was announced that the excavation work, which removed the known areas of contaminated soil at the derailment site, was complete. The soil double-check work has been ongoing for months and is expected to continue into the fall. The timeline of our expected completion plans for final…
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When can we access the streams again?
The upcoming cleanup efforts will focus on oil-based compounds which, based on recent sampling, are the only derailment-related contaminants remaining in the creeks. Please obey all posted signage and continue to avoid access in Sulphur and Leslie Runs until further notice.
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When will water no longer need to be collected to be returned to Sulphur Run?
We anticipate in the next two-to-four weeks, this work will start in sections of the derailment site. Soil analysis during the double-check phase is needed to remove the hazardous waste listing from the collected wastewater. Data are showing that water flowing over or through sections of the derailment area do…
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Will there be an increase in turbidity (cloudiness or muddiness) or silt in the streams?
The increased flow from this work is expected to be minimal and should not impact turbidity or silt.
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What is the status of the cleanup work in the streams?
There is still more work to be done in Leslie and Sulphur Runs. EPA and Ohio EPA are reviewing the Norfolk Southern sediment mitigation workplan. More cleaning will likely start before April and is expected to continue through July.
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Will returning the natural flow of water to Sulphur Run disturb areas with sheen?
Conditions in the streams are much improved because of previous cleanup work conducted in 2023. Although oily sheens remain, they are settled in the sediment and do not impact surface water unless disturbed. The increased water flow to Sulphur Run will be minimal and is not expected to disturb sheen…
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What has changed?
For the past several months as the collected wastewater has gone through the system, sample results have shown that the wastewater meets the standards set for vinyl chloride and other derailment-caused contaminants without treatment, meaning it can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste. Testing of the collected wastewater will continue…
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Why treat the collected water?
Water collected at the site has the potential to have come into contact with vinyl chloride and other contaminants from the derailment. After the collected wastewater is treated it is then tested, and if it is not hazardous, can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste.
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Why collect the rainwater and snowmelt around the derailment site?
Until excavation work and confirmatory sampling are completed, any wastewater collected from the derailment site is considered a “listed hazardous waste” because it may have come into contact with vinyl chloride or other hazardous contaminants from the derailment. Even though the soil contamination has been removed, our double-check work is…
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