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  • How is waste leaving the derailment site tracked?

    EPA on-scene coordinators are assigned to track liquid–and solid–waste trucks entering and leaving the derailment site. They log every truck, oversee the loading and covering of waste, truck washing and weighing, and the proper placement of placards. Responders take pictures throughout the process. All trucks go to approved and regulated…

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  • Obtaining an RMP ID Number

    How can a facility subject to the Risk Management Plan (RMP) requirements obtain its RMP ID number? The owner or operator of a regulated RMP facility that has already submitted an RMP, may obtain the facility's identification number (RMP ID Number) by contacting the RMP Reporting Center (703-227-7650). An RMP-covered…

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  • What happens after the track work is completed?

    The track work has been the highest priority to remove most contamination as early as possible. This, plus preventing the spread of contamination by capturing water from the site and constructing a bypass of Sulphur Run around the site will continue into June. While track work and water management continue…

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  • Does EPA have enforcement authority for the risk management program regulations?

    Yes. Under §113 of the CAA, the Agency has the authority to bring administrative and judicial actions against violators. Judicial actions can be civil and criminal in nature. Section 113(a)(3) authorizes the Agency to order violators to comply with the risk management program regulations. Under section 113(b), the Agency may…

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  • Criteria for selecting stationary sources to audit

    What criteria will be used to select stationary sources for periodic compliance audits of risk management plans (RMPs) submitted under 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart G? The implementing agency will, according to the regulations at 40 CFR §68.220(b), select stationary sources for audits based on any of the following criteria…

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  • Is there a citizen suit provision applicable to RMP?

    Is there a citizen suit provision applicable to CAA §112 and the risk management program rule? Yes, section 304 of the CAA includes a citizen suit provision for violations of emission standards or limitations promulgated under the Act.

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  • Accessing RMP Data

    Is Risk Management Plan (RMP) data available to the public and, if so, where can it be found? Risk Management Plans (RMPs) prepared and submitted pursuant to CAA section 112(r) are, by statute, available to the public. Members of the general public may obtain RMP data by visiting a designated…

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  • How may state and local rules be more stringent?

    In what ways may state and local rules be more stringent? Does this document ( General Risk Management Program Guidance ) provide guidance on state and local differences? States and localities may impose more detailed requirements, such as requiring more documentation or more frequent reporting, specifying hours of training or…

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  • What does the on-site wastewater treatment process on site entail?

    EPA has approved a workplan to allow Norfolk Southern to treat hazardous wastewater on-site, removing vinyl chloride and other contaminants to dispose of the treated wastewater off-site as a non-hazardous waste. Currently, the train derailment site generates nearly one million gallons of wastewater per week from the collection of stormwater…

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  • Where is the treated wastewater going?

    The wastewater treatment system removes derailment contaminants using several steps, including sedimentation and filtration. The treated wastewater is then tested to verify vinyl chloride is below the drinking water standard. Once treated, water is sent to facilities certified to accept non-hazardous wastewater and that are regulated by federal and state…

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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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  • How much waste was removed as part of the cleanup efforts?

    In late October, EPA announced the completion of major derailment site excavation. Remaining contaminated soil and debris were removed for off-site treatment or disposal. Contact water continues to be treated in an on-site wastewater treatment system prior to removal for off-site disposal. As of November 13, over 174,000 tons of…

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  • What is the timeline for posting the responses? Will we receive an email with notification on the answers or shall I monitor the website for the posting?

    EPA will respond to the individual email 1 - 2 days after receipt and will post the questions and answers to the RFA website very soon thereafter.

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  • Are the trucks leaving the derailment site spreading contamination?

    Each truck leaving the derailment site that is carrying contaminated waste is checked to ensure all material is safely secured. Also, all trucks go through a washing process before departing the site. The washing process ensures the vehicles’ wheels and undercarriage are free of dirt and mud. Street sweepers are…

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  • Statutory authority and regulatory source for the risk management program

    What is the statutory authority and the regulatory source for the risk management program regulations that are codified in 40 CFR Part 68? The risk management program regulations were promulgated pursuant to the §112(r) accidental release prevention provisions of the Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990. The regulatory sources…

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