EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Residents of East Palestine, Ohio remain concerned and distrustful of the government’s handling of the ongoing remediation work following a train derailment in the area. According to a statement from the Governor’s Office, last week’s test results confirmed that the municipal water was free from contaminants associated with the derailment. However, out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will independently test the municipal water once a week to ensure that the water source remains clean.
Meanwhile, the Columbiana County Health Department has reported that it has sampled 74 private wells in the area, with final testing results pending. Those whose drinking water is sourced from a private well are encouraged to drink bottled water until testing results are returned.
The U.S. EPA has conducted indoor air testing at a total of 560 homes in the area. Fortunately, no contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 20 air monitors in the area, which have not detected any contaminants associated with the derailment.
The contaminated section of Sulphur Run near the derailment site remains dammed to the east and west to prevent contamination of other water bodies. Aeration, the process of injecting oxygen into the water to treat contamination, also remains underway on Sulphur Run. More than 1.6 million gallons of contaminants and contaminated water associated with the derailment have been removed from the area, and the quality of Leslie Run and North Fork Little Beaver Creek continues to improve.
Approximately 4,588 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been removed from the immediate area of the derailment, and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has created a specialized team to specifically handle any workers’ compensation claims related to the derailment.
Despite these efforts, residents and experts in the area remain concerned about the long-term effects of the derailment and the potential for future contamination. The Ohio government is encouraging those in the area to stay informed and follow safety precautions as remediation work continues.