EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — On Friday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine provided an update on the devastating train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
The derailment occurred on March 5th, 2023, and has caused significant disruption to the local community.
Governor DeWine expressed serious concerns regarding the stall in the removal of contaminated soil from East Palestine and called on the U.S. EPA and Norfolk Southern to identify and authorize more sites to take this waste immediately.
In the past 5 years, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics has recorded an average of 1,704 train derailments per year. This year, there have been more than a dozen train derailments reported in the U.S.
Governor DeWine also provided updates on hazardous waste removal, municipal water testing, turtle necropsy results, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture farming meeting.
The Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine is operating on a walk-in basis and certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic to assist anyone who has questions or concerns.
Governor DeWine ended his update by urging the local community to seek help if needed and remain vigilant in this disaster.