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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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  • What is Vermiculite?

    Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate that resembles mica in appearance. All vermiculite ores contain a range of other minerals that were formed along with the vermiculite in the rock. Vermiculite ores from some sources have been found to contain asbestos minerals but asbestos is…

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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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  • 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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  • Is my home unsafe if it contains lead-based paint?

    Answer: Approximately three-quarters of the nation’s housing built before 1978 contains some lead-based paint. This paint, if properly managed and maintained, poses little risk. If allowed to deteriorate, lead from paint can threaten the health of occupants, especially children under six years old. If families and building owners are aware…

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  • Can the inspection/risk assessment period for testing a house for lead be waived?

    Answer: Yes. The inspection or risk assessment period can be lengthened, shortened, or waived by mutual written consent between the purchaser and the seller. Question Number: 23002-33224 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • As a seller and lessor, what if I'm selling target housing?

    Answer: Property owners who sell target housing must: Disclose all known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the housing and any available reports on lead in the housing; Give buyers the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"; Include certain warning language in the contract as…

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  • What if the lessor knows that there is no lead-based paint in my rental housing?

    Answer: If your rental housing has been found to be free of lead-based paint by a certified inspector, the Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule does not apply. Question Number: 23002-33220 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • What if the buyers/renters don't speak English?

    Answer: In cases where the buyer or renter signed a purchase or lease agreement in a language other than English, the rule requires that the disclosure language be provided in the alternate language. " Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home " in English. Protect Your Family From Lead…

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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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  • Will regulated entities have to perform retroactive requirements based off of the November 12, 2024 final rule entitled “Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels” (89 FR 89416)?

    Answer: No. The November 12, 2024 final rule entitled “Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels” (89 FR 89416) does not impose retroactive requirements to regulated entities that have previously complied with the Disclosure Rule. In accordance with 40 CFR 745.107, a seller or lessor generally…

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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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  • What is the process for backfilling excavated areas at the derailment site?

    Areas that were excavated as part of the derailment cleanup effort will be backfilled with clean soil. Before soil is chosen as backfill it is tested for chemicals and heavy metals. While the source of backfill is still being identified, some areas have been temporarily backfilled with ballast (large gravel)…

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