EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Norfolk Southern Corporation has provided an update on its efforts to assist the community of East Palestine, Ohio, after a train derailment last week.
The company says they have distributed over $1 million to more than 700 families and 30 local businesses to cover costs related to the evacuation, and a Family Assistance Center has been set up to provide financial aid to those in need.
A spokesperson for Norfolk Southern says $220,000 was donated to replace equipment for the local fire department, provided air purifiers, and coordinated cleaning and air monitoring services for schools.
Environmental testing and monitoring are ongoing, with no detections of incident-related substances in in-home air monitoring. Soil is being excavated and sampled, and private drinking water wells are being tested.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact a hotline to speak with a toxicologist.
Many across the region have become alarmingly concerned following the derailment that caused the release of toxic vinyl chloride into the environment. One expert refutes Norfolk Southern’s claim that the environmental impact of the derailment is minimal saying, the “damage done to vegetation and wildlife will last for generations to come.”
Local residents in Columbiana County have noticed fish in local streams and tributaries dying in large numbers.
The EPA told the media that the situation is being monitored closely.
