Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 30 results

• 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…

  • Last published: April 10, 2024

• What are the health agencies doing?

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are analyzing their Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey results to assess the health impacts of the train derailment. CDC and ATSDR continue to support the Ohio and Pennsylvania health departments and will be…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Now that the track is rebuilt, what else needs to be done and how long will it take?

  There is still a lot of work to do. Contaminated soil to the north and south of the tracks need to be removed. A full site assessment, including extensive sampling, of areas and properties near the derailment site needs to be conducted. A full assessment of impacted creeks will be…

  • Last published: May 31, 2024

• Why Doesn't my Output Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Match my Input VMT?

  See More Frequent Questions about MOVES and Related Models . This problem usually occurs when the run specification does not include all possible vehicle and fuel types. MOVES internally allocates the input VMT to each of the source types and fuel types and only reports the VMT for the fuel…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Will applicants be evaluated on whether or not they leverage funds?

  Cost share and leveraging of non-federal funds is not a requirement of this Funding Opportunity, but if leveraging is proposed, applicants will be evaluated based on how they will obtain the leveraged resources, the likelihood the leveraging will materialize during grant performance (e.g., if they have letters of commitment), the…

  • Last published: August 5, 2024

• Is it possible to distribute the majority of project funding in Year 2 and 3?

  Yes. Applicants should commit to being able to issue its first Project RFA within one year of being selected as Principal Recipient (page 9 of the RFA), however this is not a threshold eligibility requirement. There are no specific requirements as to the timing of issuing Project RFAs and funding…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• Will there be a non-federal cost share or match required of grants made by the principal recipient?

  No, non-federal cost share is not required. If an applicant proposes voluntary cost share, they should carefully review section III.B on page 21, description of Supporting Materials in section IV.D on page 27, and section V.B.

  • Last published: September 5, 2024

• If there is a government shutdown, will work continue on the cleanup?

  A 45-day continuing resolution was recently passed to avoid a shutdown. EPA’s emergency response efforts, such as in East Palestine, would move forward under a lapse in appropriation. As a result, EPA personnel would continue to fully support those efforts during a lapse.

  • Last published: September 13, 2024

• What does MOVES Assume for Future Year Fleet Fuel Efficiency and Emissions?

  See More Frequent Questions about MOVES and Related Models . MOVES reflects all fuel economy and emissions standards that were final as of the model release date. For a list of recent regulations accounted for in the most recent MOVES version, see the see the Overview of EPA’s Motor Vehicle…

  • Last published: October 23, 2024

• What is the process for refilling 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)…

  • Last published: October 23, 2024

• How will the budget for year six be treated in case of a continuation of sampling past 2029?

  Sampling past 2029 will not be covered under this assistance agreement.

  • Last published: March 29, 2024

• How do federal and state agencies get notified of a chemical or oil spill requiring an emergency response?

  By law, companies or individuals who spill hazardous chemicals or oil are required to call the National Response Center (NRC) if the quantity is above reporting limits. The NRC then notifies federal, state and local responders. Most States have additional reporting requirements that are separate from the NRC.

  • Last published: June 7, 2024

• Can the application also include program admin support for various coalition partners outside of the principal recipient?

  Yes. Coalitions are allowable. Applicants should reflect related admin-related costs in the budget narrative. Please see Question 2 under this section for additional information.

  • Last published: September 5, 2024

• Why Are There No Emissions for the Early and Late Hours of the Day for Certain Source Types?

  See More Frequent Questions about MOVES and Related Models . MOVES has no start emissions for the certain source types in certain hours of the day. While we know that a non-zero number of these source types do start late at night, our activity data on these trucks and buses…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Interested in voicing your opinions and concerns related to the derailment?

  A team of engineering and public affairs researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago, Cleveland State University, and Purdue University are conducting a study to understand community members’ experiences and perceptions related to water, home, and environmental impacts after the East Palestine train derailment. If you’d like to participate, sign-up…

  • Last published: August 1, 2024