Learn the Issues
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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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EPA General Terms and Conditions effective October 1, 2023 or later
The recipient and any sub-recipient must comply with the applicable EPA general terms and conditions outlined below. These terms and conditions are in addition to the assurances and certifications made as part of the award, terms and conditions, and restri
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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.
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What is split sampling?
Split sampling is a technique where multiple samples are collected from the same location at the same time and then sent to separate laboratories for analysis. Checking to see if the labs get the same or similar results is a way to determine the accuracy of the data. If there…
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Where are trucks supposed to drive near the derailment site?
Trucks leaving or entering the site have an approved route. Currently, trucks can travel along East Taggart, North Pleasant, and East Martin. As truck traffic increases, you may notice more trucks along East Martin Street. Also, not all trucks are transporting contaminated material. Some trucks also carry clean material to…
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How does EPA oversee cleanup at the derailment site?
EPA leads the Unified Command consisting of different agencies to approve Norfolk Southern’s workplans and weekly activities. EPA also coordinates with other agencies to perform oversight, such as with Ohio EPA, the Columbiana County Health District, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. EPA and Ohio EPA personnel oversee safety…
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How is solid waste stored on-site before disposal?
After excavation, solid waste removed from the site is temporarily staged in piles. These piles are securely covered with thick tarps. Liners are also installed below the piles, to help protect the ground underneath them. Berms are also in place to ensure rainwater that falls on the piles is collected…
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Do I need to do anything to ensure my pool is safe?
There is no current evidence of aerial deposition from the derailment that would impact pools, however ongoing soil sampling and surface water sampling will assist in further verifying the status of aerial deposition. Following these activities, messaging on private pools will be updated as necessary.