The Ohio town of East Palestine is dealing with a toxic chemical explosion after a freight train unexpectedly derailed near its borders on February 3. 20 of the train cars were carrying hazardous materials, resulting in the death of animals and citizens who experienced nausea. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced that no “levels of concern” were detected.
A Norfolk Southern train with 150 carriages derailed at East Balestine. Twenty of the cars contained hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl. On February 10, the EPA confirmed that toxic chemicals contaminated the air, soil, and water near the crash site.
After the train crashed, a fire ripped through the East Palestinian city over the weekend. Citizens were forced to evacuate due to concerns about the train explosion.
The crew decided to release the contents of the five tankers that contained vinyl chloride. They also drained other toxic chemicals into a ditch. A massive bang was then heard, causing a massive cloud of phosgene gas and hydrogen chloride to be released.
After the controlled burn and five days after the derailment, the evacuation was lifted and citizens were told to return to their homes.
Has the train accident in East Palestine affected drinking water supplies?
On February 12, the EPA announced that no concerning levels of toxic chemicals had been released into the city. The soil and water were investigated after the train accident.
On February 10, the EPA announced that toxic substances were found in “Sulfur Run, Leslie Run, Bull Creek, North Fork Little Beaver Creek, Little Beaver Creek, and the Ohio River.” It was also revealed that the accident led to the deaths of 3,500 fish in 7.5 miles of streams.
ABC News announced that air and water samples collected in the region have been “deemed safe.” However, a West Virginia water company has announced that it will take precautionary measures on its water supply. West Virginia American Water said Ohio River water was not compromised, however a secondary source of water from the Guyandotte River has been established.
To prevent water contamination, the EPA also announced that it has also established a dam and water diversion at Sulfur Run.
Norfolk Southern faces lawsuit after accident
Two East Palestinian residents filed a lawsuit against the rail operator demanding payment for medical examinations and related care for anyone residing within a 30-mile radius of the accident. The EPA has already provided health screenings offered by Norfolk Southern.
The organization also announced that it had donated $1 million to more than 700 East Palestinian families to cover evacuation costs. They have also reportedly provided aid to local businesses in the city. In addition, a $220,000 donation has been made to the fire department and another $25,000 donation to the Ohio Red Cross.
The company also announced that carriages of the train containing butyl acrylate and ethylhexyl acrylate ruptured, causing the chemicals to be released during the accident in eastern Palestine. Many continue to point fingers at Norfolk Southern and have asked why they didn’t know the cars were compromised.