People in and around the site of the February 3 derailment in East Palestine may see workers in neon vests this week looking for ash and soot that may have been carried by the wind following the chemical spill and burn.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that its contractors, and those from Norfolk Southern will be taking soil samples from agricultural, residential, commercial, and recreational properties in both Ohio and Pennsylvania.

In addition to the fire that broke out on chemical tankers during the derailments, a “controlled burn” of several cars to prevent a possible explosion sent plume of black smoke into the air above the village and over the state line.

Contaminated soil was one of the concerns expressed during last week’s Senate committee hearing on the derailment.

One of those offering comments about delays in removing toxic soil was Senator J.D. Vance who has announced that he will return to East Palestine on Monday to meet with residents and local leaders.

According to the latest update from the U.S. EPA, soil removal continues south of the derailment site.

The work includes conducting soil sampling, removing tracks in sections, removing soil, and placing it in a staging area for testing and disposal, according to the EPA.

To date, the EPA says 5.7 million gallons of liquid waste as been removed from the site and shipped to permitted disposal facilities.

All of the rail cars have been removed.

Ron Dixon took this picture during Monday's controlled burn
Ron Dixon took this picture during Monday's controlled burn