Newsletter: East Palestine Train Derailment Response, 8-8-2023
Newsletter serving Serving East Palestine, Negley, Darlington, and surrounding communities
- Progress Made
- The Look Ahead
- Site Status Check
- Community Corner
- Did you Know?
- Top 3 Questions of the Week
- Safety Minute
- Upcoming Events
- Stay Informed
- About this Publication
Progress Made
Site Characterization Plan Approved
EPA has approved plans to identify the extent of remaining soil and sediment contamination near the derailment site, assess possible vapor intrusion pathways, and investigate any possible impacts to groundwater near the derailment site. The results of this effort will help responding agencies understand whether there may be any additional cleanup needs at the site. EPA and Ohio EPA will oversee this work.
Rover Deployed for Reconnaissance in Culverts
An air monitor attached to a small rover was deployed in the culverts along Sulphur Run. This robot collects data in spots that are difficult for crews to reach. Results from these operations are used to characterize culverts along Sulphur Run for health and safety purposes.
South Ditch Excavation Begins
Excavation is expected to start soon at the south ditch. Sheet piling was installed to ensure the stability of the surrounding soil and rail. Once excavation begins, it is expected to take several weeks.
Cleaning and Demobilizing Storage Tanks in Tank Farm 5
Cleaning of the small blue storage tanks is ongoing at Tank Farm 5. Solid residues and cleaning water waste are collected during this process for off-site disposal.
The Look Ahead
At the Site
- Sampling and excavation will begin at the south ditch area running along the south track.
- Taggart Street remains closed to the public.
In the Greater Community
- Air monitoring continues, with 15 air monitoring locations that are checked daily and two roving air monitoring vehicles running daily.
- Daily sampling of water in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run will continue.
- Sediment sampling continues in Sulphur Run and will begin in Leslie Run.
- Home cleaning interviews will begin for interested East Palestine residents. For more information call the EPA Welcome Center at 330-775-6517.
Community Corner
The East Palestine City School District will host a Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 12. The event will begin with a parade downtown at 4 p.m. After the parade, the bash starts at the high school stadium from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include bounce houses, slides, games, giveaways, and booths with community partners and businesses. Come out to kick off the school year!
Did you know?
A cloud can weigh around a million pounds!
Click image to enlarge
Site Status Check
as of August 4
-
North Track: In operation
South Track: In operation -
Leslie Run: Stream monitoring is ongoing
Sulphur Run: Stream monitoring and washing is ongoing -
89,402 est. tons of solid waste shipped offsite
The average cumulus cloud can weigh up to a million pounds, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). That cloud can float over your head because the air below it is even heavier. The cloud is less dense than the air below it, allowing it to float. Source: USGS
Top 3 Questions of the Week
Upcoming Community Events
- August 12 - Back to School Bash at the East Palestine High School
- August 17 - EPA Operations Update Informational Session from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Topics will include on-site water treatment, the home cleaning program, and upcoming work for October. This session will be held at the East Palestine Community Center at the Village Park.
- August 19 – Historic Car Cruise at the East Palestine Park
- August 26 - West Mayfield Centennial Jubilee in the Borough of West Mayfield
- August 30 to September 4 – Canfield Fair at 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Rd
Stay Informed
EPA will be releasing weekly short videos call “This Week at E.P.” to share what work will be occurring on site in the upcoming week. You can find them on our website: East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Videos
Follow the EPA Great Lakes Facebook and Twitter pages for social media updates on the ongoing cleanup and other EPA activities in your region.