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  • How do the different parts of particulate matter (PM) fit together?

    The various parts of PM in the NEI are related as follows. PM10-FIL > PM25-FIL because PM10-FIL includes PM25-FIL PM25-PRI = PM25-FIL + PM-CON This equation only applies at the process level. Because some sources only can report PM2.5 (due to test method differences), this equation does not apply to…

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  • How does PM2.5 relate to PM species such as EC, OC, SO4, NO3, PMFINE, and DIESEL-PM25?

    Primary PM2.5 estimates are speciated into the five PM species in the NEI: elemental (black) carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrate (NO3), sulfate (SO4), and the remainder of PM25-PRI (PMFINE). Diesel engine PM25-PRI and PM10 emissions are also labeled as DIESEL-PM25 and DIESEL-PM10 for mobile source diesel engines. For all…

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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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  • 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 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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  • What is included in the emissions “Tiers”?

    The Tiers are assigned by a Source Classification Code (SCC), which has the most detail about the emissions processes that generate the emissions. The full list of SCCs, their associated Tiers, and the SCC descriptions is available online at https://ofmpub.epa.gov/sccwebservices/sccsearch/ .

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  • What should I do with my pets during cleaning?

    Pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.) cannot remain in the home during cleaning. You will need to make arrangements for your pets. We recommend first speaking with your neighbors, friends, and relatives, who may be able to care for your pets during the cleaning. If this option is not available…

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  • What does an annual emissions value in the NEI represent (one year or multiple years)?

    The NEI provides total annual emissions for a single year.

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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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  • What are the possible health effects of nitrate exposure?

    Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the child’s blood leading to blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia). This…

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  • What is nitrate?

    Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some food. Plants and animals require nitrates for their survival and growth, and the human body also produces this compound. In industry, nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops and lawns. Additionally, nitrates are…

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  • I use a carbon filter. Will this help?

    Activated carbon filters, such as those in a “Brita” water pitcher, DO NOT remove nitrates.

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  • What are the units of NEI emissions data?

    NEI emissions values represent total annual emissions for the inventory reporting year. Criteria air pollutants and precursors (CAPs) are reported in short tons per year , and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are reported in lbs per year .

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  • What is the definition of VOC?

    There is a regulatory definition of VOC. It is found in 40 CFR 51.100. CFR - code of federal regulations. The definition relates to the intent and requirements of the Clean Air Act. Excerpt from “Volatile Organic Compounds” Definition per 40 CFR Part 51.100(s): " Volatile organic compounds (VOC) means…

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