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  • Where can I find older NEI data (prior to 2008)?

    The raw data and summaries that are still available (dating back to 1990) can be obtained from the web page https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/pollutant-emissions-summary-files-earlier-neis . Starting with 2001 data, a more limited selection of summary files are available.

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  • What is the “reduced speed” near work areas? When will the speed limit return to normal?

    The reduced speed near work areas on Taggart Street is 15 miles per hour. Be aware that air monitoring vans drive at 10 miles per hour and no passing is permitted. Please obey reduced speed signage to ensure safety of workers and work vehicles. Speed restrictions will continue until final…

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  • What hours will truck traffic be present? About how frequent and how long are wait times expected to be?

    Most truck traffic on Taggart occurs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vac trucks and support vehicles will continue to use the street through overnight hours. During traffic interruptions, wait times will likely vary from 15 to 30 minutes and may occur often throughout the day.

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  • Are there health risks to driving through Taggart Street?

    There are no anticipated health risks along Taggart Street associated with project activities. As work proceeds, to ensure worker and community safety, the Unified Command will continue to evaluate site conditions for health and safety considerations. While traffic will be able to proceed through the work areas along Taggart Street…

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  • Will boiling my water help?

    No. Boiling water will NOT reduce nitrate levels. In fact, it will make the level of nitrate worse because some of the water will evaporate but the nitrate will not. This increases the concentration of nitrate in water.

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  • Are biogenic emissions included in the emissions trends Tier 1 data?

    No, the biogenic emissions are not included in the emissions trends Tier 1 data. If needed, users can add the biogenic data either as a separate Tier, or specify its inclusion in the “Miscellaneous” Tier 1 group.

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  • Can I get gas at Leake Oil on Taggart Street?

    No, Leake Oil is currently closed due to site activities. They have an alternate location on N. Market Street.

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  • Is it safe to shower or bathe in water if it is over the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L?

    Nitrate is only a concern for ingestion (eating and drinking). It is not absorbed through your skin. People who install filter systems for nitrate often install them just for their kitchen sink faucet, and they use that faucet for their cooking and drinking water.

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  • What is EPA doing?

    EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.

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  • What should I do if my water has elevated nitrates and/or exceeds the MCL?

    If nitrate exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, you should find a safe alternative drinking water supply. The quickest thing to do is to begin using bottled water for drinking. Another option is to install a treatment that will remove nitrate from your water such as reverse osmosis or a…

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  • Why is nitrate contamination a concern?

    Nitrate is an acute contaminant, meaning that health effects can occur immediately (I.e. within hours or days) of short-term exposure. Too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. While most people recover quickly, this can be very dangerous for infants and some…

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  • Will air monitoring continue around Taggart Street?

    Stationary and mobile air monitoring continues around the community and within the derailment site. As the excavation work is completed and remaining waste removed, air monitoring will be reduced.

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  • Can I walk along Taggart Street?

    Pedestrians are discouraged from walking on Taggart Street for safety reasons. Heavy equipment and truck traffic are still present, and there are no sidewalks along some stretches of the street.

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  • How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…

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  • What sources make up the Sectors or Tiers used in the emissions data summaries?

    Tier 1 and Sector categories are assigned by source classification codes (SCCs) that are the most specific processes available in the NEI. The latest SCC list with the Tier 1 and Sector assignments can be downloaded from the EPA SCC website in Comma Separate Values (CSV) format.

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