What is EPA’s role?
EPA will provide oversight of the cleaning.
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The expectation is for cleaning to take less than one day. The duration will be dependent on the size of the structure and the scope of work.
While it is strongly recommended that you leave the property during the cleaning, you are not required to do so.
Basements or attics will be considered for cleaning if they are finished and habitable areas.
Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate that resembles mica in appearance. All vermiculite ores contain a range of other minerals that were formed along with the vermiculite in the rock. Vermiculite ores from some sources have been found to contain asbestos minerals but asbestos is…
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.
On March 28, 2024, EPA issued a final rule prohibiting all ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form of asbestos still manufactured (including imported), processed and distributed in the U.S. The final rule prohibitions are by specific use and phased-in over a period of months to several years, depending…
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).
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.
Vermiculite has been used in various industries for over 80 years. It is used in the construction, agricultural, horticultural and industrial markets. Examples of products that contain vermiculite include potting soil mixes, loose fill insulation, and packing material. For more information, visit the EPA webpage: Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated…
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…
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.
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…
Federal law does not require the seller to disclose to a buyer that their home contains asbestos or vermiculite. State or local requirements may require disclosure. Contact your state about such requirements. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of…
Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to present a health risk. The risks from asbestos occur when it is damaged or disturbed where asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. Managing asbestos in place and maintaining it in good repair is often the best…