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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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  • What is EPA’s role in sampling?

    EPA is part of the Unified Command consisting of different agencies to review, approve and direct Norfolk Southern’s workplans and site activities. Surface water sampling is performed by Norfolk Southern contractors, with EPA and Ohio EPA oversight. Soil sampling is performed both by Norfolk Southern contractors and EPA contractors. Air…

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  • What is a farm for purposes of the SPCC Rule?

    In the December 2006 amendments to the SPCC Rule, EPA defined a farm as "a facility on a tract of land devoted to the production of crops or raising of animals, including fish, which produced and sold, or normally would have produced and sold, 1,000 or more of agricultural products…

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  • Examples of an agent of a Professional Engineer

    Except as provided in 40 CFR §112.6 for qualified facilities, a Professional Engineer (PE) or an agent of the PE must visit and examine the facility before the PE certifies an SPCC Plan (40 CFR §112.3(d)). What are some examples of an agent of a PE? An agent of a…

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  • What is considered bulk oil storage capacity?

    The revised rule recognizes that oil is sometimes stored in bulk and sometimes used operationally. A bulk storage container is any container storing oil at a facility. Bulk oil storage containers may include, but are not limited to tanks, containers, drums, and mobile or portable totes. Operational use includes oil-filled…

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  • What is the plume map and what does it tell us?

    The plume map is an “event reconstruction” based on known weather and on-site observations during a 10-hour time period after the vent-and-burn operation that occurred on Monday, February 6. It tells us where soot likely fell to the ground and where the highest concentrations of particles may be. This information…

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  • How much flexibility do applicants have in refining the Outcomes and Outcomes over time using an adaptive management approach?

    Full Question How much flexibility do applicants have in refining the Outcomes and Outputs identified in their application over time using an adaptive management approach? Answer EPA recognizes that “adaptive management” can be an effective tool in getting the best results. Adjustments to outputs and outcomes based on the adaptive…

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  • Do we have to pair hands-on, place-based Great Lakes enviro education with one of the other GLRI actions/related MOP?

    Full Question Do we have to pair hands-on, place-based Great Lakes enviro education (i.e., GLRI Measure of Progress, GLRI MOP 5.1.1 youth impacted through education and stewardship projects) with one of the other GLRI actions/related MOP? Answer Projects that relate to 5.1.1 are not required to connect to another specific…

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  • Should applications include Outputs and Outcomes related to Project Subrecipient evaluation criteria?

    EPA cannot provide a recommendation on this question. Applicants must decide whether or not they develop outputs and outcomes based on Project Subrecipient evaluation criteria for themselves. Please see section I.F. for information on Outcomes, Outputs, and Performance Metrics which includes information on performance measurement and evaluation plans.

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  • How do applicants reflect the 6th year of funding on the SF424A form, as there is only room for 5 years?

    We realize this is a limitation of the form and expect applicants to provide information to the best of their ability. Applicants should also provide sufficient information in the budget narrative section of their application.

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  • Mobile fuel tanker as a facility

    Is a non-transportation related mobile fuel tanker with more than 55 gallons located near a 55 gallon drum storage area considered a facility? Perhaps. "Facility" is defined in Part 112 to mean "any mobile or fixed, onshore or offshore building, structure, installation, equipment, pipe, or pipeline (other than a vessel…

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  • What is split sampling?

    Split sampling is a technique where multiple samples are collected from the same location at the same time and then sent to separate laboratories for analysis. Checking to see if the labs get the same or similar results is a way to determine the accuracy of the data. If there…

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  • Can letters of support be emailed directly to EPA?

    Only materials submitted as part of the grant application submitted on Grants.gov will be considered. If supporters wish to send letters directly to EPA, they may email ( [email protected] ). However, for them to be considered with the application, the applicant organization should be copied on those email messages with…

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  • What work happens after contamination under and between the train tracks is removed?

    After track work is complete, additional cleanup and assessments will continue. This includes shipping solid and liquid wastes off-site, excavating in areas where rail cars were staged and scrapped, and sampling and monitoring groundwater, soil, surface water, and sediment.

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  • What is a field-constructed container?

    What are the types of containers or equipment containing oil reservoirs that would be considered field-constructed containers and thus subject to the brittle fracture evaluation of 40 CFR §112.7(i)? As found in the Preamble language provided on page 47112 of the July 17, 2002 SPCC final rule, EPA provides a…

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