Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 20 results

• What state or federal agencies are responsible for evaluating records from the PADOH cancer registry? Are all types of cancers considered in this evaluation [including rare and/or environmentally associated cancers]?

  A few important items to note regarding the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry:  PADOH’s Pennsylvania Cancer Registry is a statewide data system responsible for collecting information on all new cases of cancer diagnosed or treated in Pennsylvania. It is part of the National Program of Cancer Registries administered by the Centers for…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• If a certified renovator is an employee of the certified firm, can the firm maintain all required records (those required of the firm and of the certified renovator); understanding that the certified renovator must also keep a copy of his certification as well as employee training records/documentation on the jobsite?

  Answer: The renovation firm is the entity responsible for retaining and making available to EPA all records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the RRP Rule for a period of three years following completion of the renovation. The certified renovator is responsible for preparing the records demonstrating that the renovation was…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• Under the RRP Rule, can the required records and documentation be stored electronically rather than as paper copies?

  Answer: Yes. The renovation firm is responsible for retaining and making available to EPA all records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule for a period of three years following completion of the renovation. The RRP Rule does not specify the format in which…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• Is there a Pennsylvania registry that tracks non-cancer diseases or immunological disorders?

  PADOH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services do not have a registry for multiple sclerosis (MS), MS-related diseases or immunologic disorders. Despite extensive research on the mechanisms of MS development and progress, the exact mechanism is not known and there are no definitive studies to show causation…

  • Last published: March 1, 2024

• What changes did EPA finalize to the SPCC Rule in December 2006?

  The revised rule modifies requirements for facilities with smaller oil storage capacity and specific types of oil-filled operating equipment. If a facility has 10,000 gallons or less in aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity and the facility meets the oil discharge history criteria, then an owner/operator of a facility may prepare…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024

• SPCC change in ownership

  If there is a change in ownership at a facility, can the facility operate under the same SPCC Plan without the certification from a professional engineer (PE)? If no change in procedures has been made, it may still be feasible to operate under the existing SPCC Plan. The information in…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024

• Liability of oil retailers at SPCC regulated farm

  If a farm is out of compliance of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations and is checked by EPA and/or has a spill, is the retailer that filled the tank liable? No, EPA considers the oil tank owner responsible for lack of compliance.

  • Last published: July 25, 2024

• Under the RRP Rule, can the certified renovator comply with the rules by keeping records regarding his certification and employee training electronically, provided he can display them on a hand held device or laptop on the job site?

  Yes. The Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule does not specify the format in which these documents must be kept, but they must be available at the work site. Documents are not available if they cannot be viewed. Certified renovators must have with them at the work site copies…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• How do we know our drinking water has not been affected over the past 40+ years when the landfill was operating and after it closed since there were no regulations governing its operation or closure?

  The Norwood community is serviced by a public drinking water source. The public water supply must meet federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act Standards. Public water systems are required to share annual reports that describe what, if anything, is found in the water supply.

  • Last published: March 8, 2024

• PE certifying a technical amendment

  Except as provided in 40 CFR §112.6 for qualified facilities, a Professional Engineer (PE) must certify all technical amendments to an existing SPCC Plan (§112.5(c)). When certifying a technical change to an existing SPCC Plan, does the PE have to inspect and certify the entire Plan or only the amended…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024

• If a general contractor and one or more subcontractors are involved in a single renovation project, which persons or entities are responsible for preparing, retaining and making available the necessary records?

  Answer: The certified renovator, whether assigned by a general contractor or subcontractor, is responsible for preparing the records demonstrating that the renovation was conducted in compliance with the work practice standards, including training provided to non-certified workers. All renovation firms involved in a project share the responsibility for retaining and…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• Why is it difficult to establish a link between cancers or other illnesses and environmental exposures?

  The complex nature of cancer makes it inherently challenging to identify, interpret, and address cancer clusters. Cancer is a term describing different diseases that share a similar characteristic: uncontrollable cell growth and division. As a group, cancers are very common. Cancers are the second leading cause of death in the…

  • Last published: November 26, 2024

• How do we know that we have not been exposed to contamination from the Landfill for the past 40+ years?

  EPA works closely with its partner, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in evaluating potential health exposures from waste sources. ATSDR has the ability to look at the cancer registry data to evaluate potential past exposures, while EPA’s role is to evaluate current and future exposure. ATSDR…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• Can Norwood residents be exposed to contamination if we grow and eat our own vegetables from gardens in our yards?

  To date, contamination has not been found on residential properties that would pose a risk. In addition, the concentrations of the contaminants found at the Norwood Site are often found in urban communities. Studies show that exposure to contaminants via vegetable gardens is negligible. With the exception of some root…

  • Last published: March 8, 2024

• Is a PE required to review an SPCC Plan if it has not changed?

  Under the 2002 regulations, is a PE required to review the SPCC Plans at the end of a 5-year SPCC Plan cycle if no changes have occurred at the facilities? No. It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to document the completion of a review and decide whether…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024