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  • Can I go visit the derailment site?

    No. The site will remain closed to the public until work is completed for health and safety reasons. If you missed our “Track Talk” information session on May 18, the session showed a video and several photos of progress at the site.

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  • Did drinking water samples from the American Legion in East Palestine have detections of vinyl chloride?

    No. The drinking water supplied to the American Legion from the Village municipal water system has been tested weekly since the incident and vinyl chloride has not been detected in the drinking water, nor any of the water supply wells. A filter company collected water at the American Legion, and…

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  • What is EPA’s response to inaccurate claims about its use of ASPECT?

    The characterizations of EPA’s ASPECT response in East Palestine are false. More information can be found about ASPECT’s response in the . EPA Region 5 requested ASPECT to fly to East Palestine late in the day on February 5, 2023. As soon as the request was made, the aircraft was…

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  • Do I have to sign an access agreement?

    Yes. After you meet with representatives from EPA and Norfolk Southern to discuss the cleanup of your home or place of business and agree to move forward with the cleaning, you will be asked to sign an access agreement. This form documents the occupant giving EPA permission to access the…

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

    During your pre-cleaning interview, representatives from EPA and Norfolk Southern will explain the cleaning process, assess time and resource needs, answer questions, and if desired schedule a cleaning date.

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  • What will cleaning involve?

    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…

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  • How will I know when I can return?

    EPA representatives will keep you informed about the progress of the cleaning. The cleaning team will provide an estimate of cleaning time when they arrive. You will be notified when cleaning is wrapping up so that you can return. Representatives of the cleaning team will not leave until you return…

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

    You should review your lease to ensure there is not an issue and contact your property owner for clarification as needed.

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

    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 .

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

    We recommend first speaking with your neighbors, friends, and relatives, who may be able to help while you are away during the cleaning. If this option is not available, residents can contact the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center for alternative options.

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  • Why are street cleaners no longer watering Taggart the same way they used to?

    Street cleaners now lightly mist Taggart with water before using a vacuum truck to collect material from the road. Crews adopted this approach to keep sediment and dust out of the storm drains and Sulphur Run.

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  • Who is eligible?

    Anyone within the village of East Palestine, Ohio limits or within the 1-mile by 2-mile Ohio-Pennsylvania evacuation area is eligible for this service.

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  • Is formaldehyde a contaminant of concern from the derailment?

    Last week, an East Palestine resident reported to EPA that they had a skin reaction from handling soil in their backyard after digging a swimming pool. EPA tested the soil and did not detect high hazard chemicals. The device used for testing did indicate that low levels of formaldehyde might…

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  • What is being tested for in EPA’s air testing program?

    Seventy-five different chemicals are tested for on the derailment site and around East Palestine. The air monitoring and sampling network includes 9 monitoring stations, 8 sampling stations, a MINICAM van, and the PTR-MS laboratory vans.

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

    You can let us know by calling 330-775-6517 , or visiting the EPA Community Welcome Center or the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center. If you previously contacted EPA to inquire about interest in the program, there is no need to contact us again. Please note that there will be an…

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