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  • Applicability of program levels and prevention program requirements for co-located vessels

    I have a tank with 1,000,000 pounds of toluene diisocyanate (TDI), which is covered under the RMP rule, but not under OSHA PSM. Considered by itself, the TDI would be Program 2 for EPA. The tank, however, is close to equipment that has chlorine above the applicable threshold and is…

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  • Changing from a Program 2 or 3 process to a Program 1 process

    If five years have passed since the last accident involving a covered process, and that process meets the other two requirements identified under 40 CFR §68.10(b) for Program 1 eligibility, could that process become a Program 1 process even if it had previously been identified as a Program 2 or…

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  • Can a facility divide a process when assigning program levels?

    My process includes a series of interconnected units, as well as several storage vessels that are co-located. Several sections of the process could qualify for Program 1. Can I divide my process into sections for the purpose of assigning Program levels? No, you cannot subdivide a process for this purpose…

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  • If a covered process has an accident, when does it lose eligibility for Program 1 status?

    A process covered under 40 CFR Part 68 is eligible for Program 1 requirements if it meets all of the criteria listed at 40 CFR §68.10(b). Those criteria include a requirement that the process cannot have had an accidental release of a regulated substance that led to offsite death, injury…

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  • If a stationary source has processes ineligible for Program 1, are all processes ineligible?

    If a stationary source has several processes that are covered under 40 CFR Part 68, and some of those processes have had an accidental release within the past five years (effectively making those processes ineligible for Program 1 status), are the individual processes from which no accidents have occurred also…

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  • What’s the difference between air sampling and air monitoring?

    Air monitoring and air sampling are two different methods of looking at air quality. Air monitoring uses electronic devices to provide real-time readings of contaminants in the air. Air sampling involves trapping air over a period of time in a container that is then sent to a laboratory for analysis…

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  • Is the air monitoring equipment detecting chemicals of concern?

    Yes, the air monitoring and sampling equipment are capable of detecting many chemicals of concern in the community and currently detections are below levels of concern. Some of the monitoring equipment may not detect a portion of the chemicals at lower levels–specifically n-butyl acrylate. However, there are independent tools used…

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  • What’s the difference between short-term and long-term chemical exposure levels?

    Acute or short-term exposure assumes that a person has been exposed to a chemical for a short period of time. Long term, also known as chronic, exposure assumes a person has been constantly exposed to a chemical for a lifetime, or approximately 70 years.

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  • Is our East Palestine City Park safe for activities?

    Yes. Results show that levels of dioxin and semi-volatile organic compounds are well below any levels that we would consider restricting activities, and all are either at or below typical background levels for soil in the United States. In addition, the village has cleaned all recreational equipment, including the pool…

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  • How does EPA oversee cleanup at the derailment site?

    EPA leads the Unified Command consisting of different agencies to approve Norfolk Southern’s workplans and weekly activities. EPA also coordinates with other agencies to perform oversight, such as with Ohio EPA, the Columbiana County Health District, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. EPA and Ohio EPA personnel oversee safety…

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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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  • How can I get help interpreting well sampling results?

    Residents requesting Columbiana County water well sample results or assistance interpreting results taken by AECOM or Stantec laboratories can email ( nstaggartroad@stantec.com ). Additionally, a toxicologist is available to answer questions at 800-222-1222. Columbiana County residents near East Palestine with drinking water wells can request sampling by calling 330-849-3919. Pennsylvania…

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  • Where can I find the East Palestine City Park soil sampling results?

    You can find East Palestine City Park soil sampling results at: East Palestine City Park soil sampling results

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  • What are dioxins and how common are they?

    Dioxins are found throughout the world in the environment. Dioxins are a result of industrial processes and other activities such as burning fuels like wood, coal, or oil. Dioxins are called persistent organic pollutants, meaning they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment.

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  • What is being done to control dust?

    Norfolk Southern contractors use engineering controls to reduce dust generated from cleanup activities and disturbed soil surfaces. All contaminated material leaving the derailment site is secured and tarped, and all contaminated material on site is tarped nightly. Trucks are decontaminated before they leave the site, and large water trucks are…

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