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  • How is wastewater being collected at the derailment site?

    EPA is ensuring that water coming into contact with the derailment site does not runoff into the surrounding area. Wastewater is generated after rain falls on a contaminated area, and from cleaning and washing trucks before they leave the derailment site. Wastewater is collected with pumps and pipes, and temporarily…

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  • Is there a temporary water treatment system being installed on the site?

    Norfolk Southern has brought in water treatment equipment and made a request to EPA and Ohio EPA to approve a plan for on-site treatment of water that came into contact with contaminated areas. Currently, this water is treated as hazardous waste because it has come into contact with site contamination…

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  • How are people potentially exposed to nitrate?

    For many situations, the potential for children’s exposure from drinking water is medium to low. The potential can be higher when private wells become contaminated with nitrates from feed lot and agricultural runoff, and contaminated groundwater. Some geographic areas are at higher risk of drinking water contamination of private wells…

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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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  • Where are trucks supposed to drive near the derailment site?

    Trucks leaving or entering the site have an approved route. Currently, trucks can travel along East Taggart, North Pleasant, and East Martin. As truck traffic increases, you may notice more trucks along East Martin Street. Also, not all trucks are transporting contaminated material. Some trucks also carry clean material to…

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  • How is solid waste stored on-site before disposal?

    After excavation, solid waste removed from the site is temporarily staged in piles. These piles are securely covered with thick tarps. Liners are also installed below the piles, to help protect the ground underneath them. Berms are also in place to ensure rainwater that falls on the piles is collected…

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  • How to protect yourself from nitrate exposure?

    Private well owners Assess the location of your well, wells found near sources of nitrates may have a greater risk of contamination. Sources include: farm fields, barnyards, feedlots, septic tanks, municipal wastewater treatment systems or “sludge” and manure spreading sites. Ensure your well is up to code with state regulations…

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