Full Characterization Workplan
As EPA and its Unified Command partners have discussed in previous public information sessions, a full assessment (or characterization) of impacted properties and support areas would be conducted. This does not indicate a concern that contamination from the derailment may have affected a larger area. This assessment is a “double-check” to ensure that contamination did not spread as a result of response activities. It also ensures that areas previously cleaned up are re-evaluated to confirm completeness. Support areas include any property where equipment and contained wastes were staged or non-hazardous operations were conducted. Additionally, this plan will look at commercial and industrial properties in the derailment zone that may have been impacted by spills associated with the derailment
This plan, also referred to as Appendix E in the overall series of workplans, is intentionally designed to ensure that Norfolk Southern has performed all cleanup required by EPA’s order and that cleanup actions were thorough. Both surface and subsurface samples will be collected. The plan calls for the collection of more than 2,500 samples. While there is no evidence to suggest that additional contamination is present in areas other than those which are currently being addressed at the derailment site, we want to be sure. If residual contamination should be discovered through these efforts, EPA will direct further cleanup actions as needed. Finally, this work will include assessment of derailment area underground structures such as drainage pipes, tiles, and water collection points to ensure they don’t contain residual contamination.
It's important to note that, although areas at and near East Palestine Park will be assessed, there has been no evidence of spills in that area, other than known contamination in creek sediments. A previous assessment of East Palestine Park conducted in March did not show any contamination above background levels for combustion-related chemicals.
The primary locations of investigation will include:
- Both tracks and the centerline between tracks.
- Locations impacted by the derailment, where there was direct contact between soil and cars carrying hazardous materials during wrecking and scrapping operations. Also includes ditches that may have conveyed spilled product or firefighting water.
- Locations where waste containers and cleanup equipment were staged.
- Locations in the derailment zone where there is no apparent impact, but need to be checked because they are in between locations that are currently being cleaned up.
- Any areas not currently identified if additional impacts are discovered.
EPA will post confirmation sampling results on this website as they become available.
The full characterization workplan is available under “Legal and Other Documents” of this website, and at the following link: