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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 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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  • Tier2 Submit software and confidential chemical location information

    When using EPA’s Tier2 Submit software to comply with the annual Hazardous Chemical Inventory reporting requirement under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) §312, how can a person withhold confidential chemical location information from disclosure to the public? In order to fulfill the proper reporting under EPCRA, a…

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  • Do states require extra Tier II information?

    Do states require additional information on the Tier II report? How can I find out about the state data requirements? Some states do want additional Tier II information; contact your state Tier II administrator to learn specific details. Tier2 Submit includes fields for the additional information requested or required by…

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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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  • No Street Address Availability Tier II Reporting

    Pursuant to 40 CFR 370.42(d) , Tier II chemical inventory information must include the complete name and address of the location of the facility (including the full street address or state road, city, county, State and zip code), latitude and longitude. If a facility does not have a street address…

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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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  • Columbiana County Health District has sampled my private well, will it be sampled again?

    Residents will be contacted if they are within the priority zones and have signed up for private well sampling. Within 60 days after the first sample, private wells are resampled, and residents will be contacted to schedule resampling. Residents within one of the four priority zones can also schedule a…

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  • Entering Alternative Storage Types and Pressure and Temperature Conditions on Tier II Form

    EPA provides a list of storage types and conditions for pressure and temperature in the instructions for the paper Tier II form and as dropdown menus in Tier2 Submit. Are facilities required to use the storage types and conditions that EPA provides, or can facilities provide different values? Facilities are…

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  • Attaching Site Plan Using Tier2 Submit

    Tier2 Submit does allow a user to attach and submit a site plan with the Tier II inventory information. However, before using Tier2 Submit to submit a site plan, the facility should check with the relevant State or Tribal Emergency Response Commission ( SERC or TERC ) and/or their state…

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  • Range Code or Specific Weight for Maximum Amount and Average Daily Amount on Tier II Form

    When submitting Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Section 312 Tier II reports, does the owner or operator of the facility need to enter a specific weight in pounds for the maximum amount and the average daily amount of a certain hazardous chemical present at the facility, or should…

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  • Tier2 Submit validation error due to incorrect CAS number

    What do I do if I get a validation error in Tier2 Submit due to an incorrect Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number? Your CAS number should be typed exactly as it appears on the substance's SDS. Review your safety data sheet (SDS) to see if the CAS number was typed…

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  • What is the East Palestine Potable Water Sampling Work Plan?

    In February, EPA required Norfolk Southern to investigate drinking water sources through a work plan approved by responding agencies. The work plan is being used to monitor drinking water near the derailment site, and recently changed to include more areas for water sampling. These new areas were chosen based on…

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  • Completing Tier II Forms When Information Has Not Changed

    Pursuant to 40 CFR 370.42(c) and (r) , an owner or operator submitting federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Tier II inventory information must indicate if the facility or chemical information is identical to that submitted last year. If the facility or chemical information is the same as…

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