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  2. East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment

Frequently Asked Questions: Cleaning

On this page:

  • Purpose
  • Eligibility
  • Prior to Cleaning
  • About the Cleaning Porcess
  • Personal Belongings During Cleaning
  • Assistance With Child Care and Pets During Cleaning
  • After Cleaning
  • Relocation Assistance

Purpose

  • What is defined as a structure (home or place of business)?

  • Does this mean my home or place of business is contaminated?

  • I’m not concerned about dust. What about chemicals that may have been released by the event or the cleanup?

  • Why are you cleaning homes and places of business?

Eligibility

  • How do I notify the EPA that I am interested?

  • Who is eligible?

  • Do I have to sign an access agreement?

  • Will participating in the program preclude me from receiving other benefits or participating in or filing a claim against Norfolk Southern?

  • Who pays for it?

  • I rent. Can I give permission for cleaning, or does it have to go through the owner?

Prior to Cleaning

  • How will a cleaning date be scheduled?

  • Will someone explain the process to me so that I can decide if I want cleaning?

  • What do I have to do in preparation for the cleaning?

About the Cleaning Process

  • How can we be assured that this cleaning will remove any persistent hazardous material or substances?

  • Will there be photos and videos taken of my property?

  • What is EPA’s role?

  • What will cleaning involve?

  • What about cleaning basements or attics?

  • Was there any consideration for cleaning outside structures or conducting additional residential soil sampling?

  • Do I need to leave my structure during the cleaning?

  • Who will conduct the cleaning?

  • What about duct cleaning?

  • How long will it take?

Personal Belongings During Cleaning

  • Can I leave my car or other vehicles on my property while I am away?

  • What happens to my belongings during the cleaning?

  • How do I know that my belongings will be safe during the cleaning?

  • What should I do with food items?

  • What happens if any of my items get damaged during the cleaning process?

  • What do I do with my indoor plants during the cleaning?

Assistance With Child Care and Pets During Cleaning

  • What should I do with my pets during cleaning?

  • I have kids who are on a strict nap schedule. Will someone pay for childcare?

After Cleaning

  • Can I use clothes, towels, and bedding that I left behind in my structure?

  • How will I know when I can return?

  • Will samples be collected after cleaning is completed?

Relocation Assistance

  • How long will I be eligible for relocation assistance from Norfolk Southern?

East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment

  • East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Home
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Contact Us About the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment
Contact Us About the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 25, 2025
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