Learn the Issues
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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.
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What happens to my belongings during the cleaning?
The items you leave on your property and inside your home or place of business will remain where you left them and will not be removed.
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How do I know that my belongings will be safe during the cleaning?
Before the team begins cleaning, they will videotape each room and photograph the items you left. The videos and photos provide a record of the items that were present and the conditions of those items at the time the cleaning team entered your structure. An EPA representative will be present…
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How will I know when I can return?
EPA representatives will keep you informed about the progress of the cleaning. The cleaning team will provide an estimate of cleaning time when they arrive. You will be notified when cleaning is wrapping up so that you can return. Representatives of the cleaning team will not leave until you return…
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Public Health Resources
EPTD Public Health Resources
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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.
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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…
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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 .
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Do I need to leave my structure during the cleaning?
While it is strongly recommended that you leave the property during the cleaning, you are not required to do so.
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Who will conduct the cleaning?
Cleaning will be performed by workers contracted by Norfolk Southern who are trained and experienced with structure cleaning. Cleaning teams will wear the following: badges, identification clothing, safety vest, shoe covers, gloves (when appropriate for the task), and face coverings (upon request by the property owner or renter).
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Who pays for it?
Norfolk Southern will cover costs associated with home and place of business cleaning.
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Will samples be collected after cleaning is completed?
Indoor air or surface samples will not be collected as part of this cleaning program. Indoor sampling is not recommended since exposure pathways for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) have been effectively managed though site engineering controls and an extensive network of air monitoring and sampling equipment. Any VOCs that may…
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What happens if any of my items get damaged during the cleaning process?
If any items get damaged, an independent appraiser will estimate the value of the item by using the videos and photos of your belongings to determine a fair value for the item that needs to be replaced. The assessment will then be presented to you for your approval. If you…
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What do I do with my indoor plants during the cleaning?
You may leave plants on your property and inside your home or place of business. However, the cleaning team will not move any of your belongings, including plants. You may want to consider moving plants outside for the day, if possible, and watering them before you leave.
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What about duct cleaning?
Per the recommendations of health agencies, duct cleaning is not necessary and will not be part of the cleaning under this program. However, if an individual in the village of East Palestine or in the 1-mile by 2-mile evacuation area would like to have their ducts cleaned separately, they may…