Updates from the East Palestine Train Derailment Emergency Response EAST PALESTINE, OH (May 9, 2023) - Norfolk Southern continues to make progress removing and excavating the north track. EPA and NS continue to conduct air monitoring in the work zone and in the surrounding community. Perimeter air monitoring stations are located around the rail work zone. Work was paused in the creeks due to high water from the rain and is expected to resume when water levels have dropped. EPA has participated in a series of information sessions for community members on soil, air, and private well water testing. These sessions have had between 20-40 community members per session. The next information session will be Thursday, May 11 from 6-7 p.m., presented by Ohio EPA on surface water sampling. While the cleanup is ongoing, EPA is thinking about long term protectiveness. This week, EPA posted the potable water sampling plan update to the website. Response By the Numbers (as of the morning of May 8, 2023) • 37,385 tons est. (+867 tons) • 14,832,699 gallons (+329,248 gallons) of liquid waste shipped to date • 631 indoor air screenings conducted • 519 private well samples collected • 754 visitors received at the Welcome Center (as of May 8, 2023,1100) What to expect next week Continued cleanup and excavation of the northern track. The southern track is an active rail line. Possible work resuming in Leslie Run, pending water level conditions. At the derailment site: • Contaminated soil and waste stockpiles are covered overnight and when not in use. • Vapor suppressants are used to address odor and vapor issues associated with excavation activities. • EPA continues to document all excavation activities including soil confirmation sampling prior to restoration. Trains are operating in both directions on the southern track. In the greater community: • The Way Station and First United Presbyterian church at 109 W. Rebecca St. in East Palestine will host an information session from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11 on surface water sampling. Ohio EPA will discuss its sampling program. • Air monitoring continues at 23 locations around the community. Review of data supports air monitoring trends that air quality has remained below screening levels. • EPA's Welcome Center is closed on Sundays, starting this weekend. The Welcome Center remains open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Air Quality EPA continues to receive preliminary air sampling data. Review of the data supports air monitoring trends that air quality has remained below screening levels. Preliminary data are currently being validated prior to being finalized. Soil Removal at the Derailment Site Excavation of contaminated soil around the northern track began last week and continues. Excavated soils are shipped off-site for proper disposal, and clean dirt is brought in to fill the excavated areas. Asbestos-containing material (ACM) was identified on the north track work area within a debris pile; ACM and ------- affected debris will be managed and disposed of in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations (ongoing). ACM has been properly labeled, containerized, and is awaiting off-site transportation and disposal (11 roll-off containers). Liquid Waste Removal Wastewater is collected to ensure water does not leave the derailment site or staging piles of contaminated soil. Wastewater is generated after rain falls on contaminated soil and is collected from cleaning and washing trucks before they leave the site. Soil Sampling Sampling associated with Phase I of the Preliminary Residential/Commercial/Agricultural Soil Sampling Plan is complete. Sample results are provided to property owners over the phone and in writing. Preliminary soil sampling results are expected to be posted to EPA's East Palestine Train Derailment response page next week. Drinking and Groundwater Sampling Ohio EPA continues to conduct drinking water testing of East Palestine municipal water wells on a weekly basis, as well as weekly sampling of wells located between the municipal wells and the derailment site. These wells were installed to monitor for potential groundwater contamination that could be moving toward the municipal wells. On May 4, the Columbiana County Health District presented private well water sample results at the First United Presbyterian Church in East Palestine. About 30-35 residents attended. The meeting will be made available via YouTube in the coming days. Water Quality Monitoring Norfolk Southern continues daily surface water sampling of affected waterways under Ohio EPA oversight. Sediment samples were collected and are anticipated to be received during the next operational period. ### ------- |