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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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  • 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…

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  • 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…

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  • Secondary containment for oil-filled operation equipment under SPCC

    On December 26, 2006, EPA provided an optional alternative to the general secondary containment requirements in 40 CFR §112.7(c) for qualified oil-filled operational equipment ( 71 FR 77266 ). Because the alternative is optional, an owner or operator could choose to comply with the existing SPCC requirements to provide general…

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  • 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.

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  • 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)…

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  • Where can I get more information or copies of the lead-based paint abatement application forms and instructions?

    Answer: Information regarding certification under EPA’s lead-based paint abatement program is available at https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-based-paint-abatement-and-evaluation-program-overview . Question Number: 23002-32438 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • When must I take refresher training?

    You must take refresher training before you apply for recertification to EPA. You should begin looking for available courses well before your current certification expires, because refresher courses may not be available in your area on a frequent basis. However, EPA recommends that you take your refresher training no earlier…

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  • When do persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, or supervisors apply to EPA, before or after taking the 3rd party exam?

    Answer: Persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, and/or supervisors must apply to EPA before taking the 3rd party certification exam. For more information about applying for certification as a lead-based paint abatement professional please refer to EPA’s Lead-based Paint Professionals page . Question Number: 23002-33448 Find a printable…

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  • When individuals apply for certification in the Federal program under 40 C.F.R. 745.226(a)(1)(i), how long will the certification last?

    Answer : For individuals who have taken courses which included a course test and a hands-on skills assessment, the full certification period for individuals applying under 745.226(a)(1)(i) will run for three years from the date of issuance of certification by EPA. For individuals who have taken courses which included a…

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  • The definition of “soil sample” at 40 CFR §745.63 relies on certain American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. Did EPA intend to prevent the use of EPA and HUD standards for soil samples?

    Answer: No. In establishing work practice standards for lead-based paint activities, EPA did not intend to prevent the use of EPA/HUD standards. As a general matter, the requirements are not prescriptive but instead state that certain activities be conducted using appropriate documented methodologies. For example, §745.227(c)(3) requires that dust samples…

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  • SPCC requirements for transfer areas associated with exempt USTs

    Gas stations typically are not subject to the SPCC Rule because completely buried storage tanks subject to 40 CFR Part 280 or 281 are exempt per §112.1(d)(4). However, a gas station would be subject to the SPCC Rule if it has more than 1,320 gallons of oil in aggregate above…

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  • Do the changes in the 2006 Amendments apply to oil-filled manufacturing equipment?

    No. The amendment does not change any requirements for oil-filled manufacturing equipment. Oil-filled manufacturing equipment remains subject to the SPCC requirements (including those for containment), but an owner/operator may determine that secondary containment is impracticable and comply with the alternative measures in section 112.7(d).

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  • What is an oil spill contingency plan?

    Instead of providing secondary containment for qualified oil-filled operational equipment, an owner or operator may prepare an oil spill contingency plan and a written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials to quickly control and remove discharged oil. He/she must also have an inspection or monitoring program for the equipment to…

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  • Secondary containment requirements for mobile refuelers

    What secondary containment requirements apply to mobile refuelers? General secondary containment requirements in §112.7(c) still apply to mobile refuelers at SPCC regulated facilities. General secondary containment should be designed to address the most likely discharge from the container and from oil transfers into or from the mobile refueler. The general…

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