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  • Will participating in the program preclude me from receiving other benefits or participating in or filing a claim against Norfolk Southern?

    No.

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  • What is defined as a structure (home or place of business)?

    While generally defined as a building, a structure under the structural cleaning program will include only those habitable spaces where indoor occupancy is frequent and regularly occurring on a daily or near-daily basis. Examples of residential structures include primary residences and living spaces, and examples of commercial structures include offices…

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  • Why is cleaning of homes and places of businesses happening?

    Norfolk Southern, with EPA oversight, is providing indoor cleaning to eligible occupants in response to concerns about the impact of the derailment and cleanup work on homes and places of businesses. The cleaning is to address potential dust that may have been generated as part of the train derailment and…

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  • What work still needs to be done at the derailment site?

    Although contaminated soil has been excavated and removed from the derailment site, some additional work remains. Soil sampling continues to check all areas where cleanup operations took place. Stream assessments continue, and culvert clean out has started. Groundwater and drinking water sampling also continues. Expect these investigations and possible additional…

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  • Does this mean my home or place of business is contaminated?

    No. However, indoor cleaning is being offered to address potential dust emissions that may have been generated as part of the train derailment and cleanup work. This service is being offered as an additional service to interested members of the community.

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  • Can you explain who has authority over the active mine vs the Superfund site?

    The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has regulatory authority over the active mine. EPA is the lead agency for the Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site and works in consultation with MDEQ to ensure the cleanup of the Site.

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  • Who pays for it?

    Norfolk Southern will cover costs associated with home and place of business cleaning.

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  • Who is eligible for home cleaning?

    Anyone who lives in the village of East Palestine limits or within the 1-mile by 2-mile Ohio-Pennsylvania evacuation area is eligible for this service (see map). Priority will be given to those that have been relocated. If you’re interested, you can let us know by calling 330-775-6517 , filling out…

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  • Do I have to sign an access agreement?

    Yes. After you meet with representatives from EPA and Norfolk Southern to discuss the cleanup of your home or place of business and agree to move forward with the cleaning, you will be asked to sign an access agreement. This form documents the occupant giving EPA permission to access the…

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  • I rent. Can I give permission for cleaning, or does it have to go through the owner?

    You should review your lease to ensure there is not an issue and contact your property owner for clarification as needed.

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  • Who is eligible?

    Anyone within the village of East Palestine, Ohio limits or within the 1-mile by 2-mile Ohio-Pennsylvania evacuation area is eligible for this service.

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  • How do I notify the EPA that I am interested?

    You can let us know by calling 330-775-6517 , or visiting the EPA Community Welcome Center or the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center. If you previously contacted EPA to inquire about interest in the program, there is no need to contact us again. Please note that there will be an…

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  • Why are you cleaning homes and places of business?

    Since the derailment, property owners and renters have voiced concerns about the impact of the derailment and cleanup work on their homes and place of business. In response, Norfolk Southern, with EPA oversight, is providing indoor cleaning to interested, eligible occupants.

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  • I’m not concerned about dust. What about chemicals that may have been released by the event or the cleanup?

    The air and soil in and around the community has been monitored and sampled, and results confirm our confidence that the air and soil in East Palestine and surrounding communities, including inside homes, is not a concern for incident specific chemicals. While community testing conducted to date has not indicated…

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