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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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  • Can I apply a product using a method that is not specified in the directions for use?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Any time you use an EPA-registered disinfectant, you should read the product label and follow the directions, including the method of application…

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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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  • Will an Ozone Generator protect me and my family from COVID-19?

    No, do not use ozone generators in occupied spaces. When used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for best practices to protect…

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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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  • When testing a work area, does one lead test kit or paint chip sample suffice for any single component?

    The certified renovator is only required to use one lead test kit or paint chip sample for each component, even if the surface of the component is extensive (e.g., a large wall). Question Number: 23002-23865 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • Can a homeowner use an EPA-recognized lead test kit to check for lead-based paint?

    Answer: A number of lead test kits are available for consumer purchase in most retail hardware stores; however, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that consumers should exercise caution when using these lead test kits to evaluate consumer products for potential lead exposures. Find more information online . To…

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  • How can I obtain D-Lead® test kits?

    The D-Lead® test kits are available for purchase from certain distributors and retail outlets. Locate a distributor or retailer online , email [email protected] or call 414-962-3006. Question Number: 23002-16390 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • Is lead paint testing required under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule?

    No. A firm can either assume lead-based paint is present and follow the requirements of the RRP Rule (which requires no testing), or test and if lead-based paint is found follow the requirements of the regulation. Question Number: 23002-32338 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to…

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  • Do disinfectants kill newer variants of coronavirus?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Yes, EPA expects all products on List N to kill all variants of SARS-CoV-2. Genetic changes to the virus do not impact…

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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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  • Can air cleaning devices that use bipolar ionization, including portable air cleaners and in-duct air cleaners used in HVAC systems, protect me from COVID-19?

    Bipolar ionization (also called needlepoint bipolar ionization) is a technology that can be used in HVAC systems or portable air cleaners to generate positively and negatively charged particles. Provided manufacturers have data to demonstrate efficacy, manufacturers of these types of devices may market this technology to help remove viruses, including…

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