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EPA takes control of Ohio train derailment cleanup : NPR


Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan speaks during a news conference in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb.

Matt Freed / AP


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Matt Freed / AP


Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan speaks during a news conference in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb.

Matt Freed / AP

Environmental Protection Agency announced Third that it will control the cleanup of a Norfolk Southern train derailment in Ohio earlier this month that released toxic chemicals into the environment.

Teams are still working to respond to the freight disaster in East Palestine as community members worry about possible adverse health effects from hazardous materials released when cargo is released. Dozens of carriages derailed a likely mechanical failure.

Under a legally binding order, Norfolk Southern is required to identify and clean up contaminated soil and water, pay the cost of work performed by EPA, and reimburse the agency for additional cleaning services provided provided to residents and businesses.

The agency’s move comes as the emergency response effort has now turned into a cleanup operation under the responsibility of the rail industry, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said at a press conference Tuesday.

“Norfolk Southern will pay to clean up the mess they’ve created and the damage they’ve caused,” Regan said. “There’s no way, shape or form will Norfolk Southern get out of the mess they’ve created.”

He said the company will also have to attend and participate in public meetings required by the EPA.

If Norfolk Southern does not act, EPA can do the job on its own, says Regan, and recoup three times the cost of any remediation efforts.

In a statement to NPR on Tuesday, Norfolk Southern said it paid for the cleanup in East Palestine and will continue to do so.

“We recognize that we have a responsibility and we are committed to doing what is right for the residents of East Palestine,” the railway said. “We are committed to cleaning the area thoroughly and safely, and we will reimburse residents for the disruption this has caused to their lives.”

The company has committed more than $6 million to date in East Palestine, including $3.8 million in direct financial assistance to families affected by the crash.

Norfolk Southern also vowed to work with regulators and elected officials to improve rail safety in the wake of the crash.

In an interview with CNBC on TuesdayCEO Alan Shaw replied criticism from Transport Minister Pete Buttigieg and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, said the company invests more than $1 billion a year in “scientific-based” safety solutions, including maintaining tracks, equipment and technology.

“It is clear that our safety culture and investments in safety did not prevent this accident,” Shaw said. “We need to look at this and see what we can do differently and what we can do better.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised the EPA for being responsible for cleaning up the crash, which took place less than a mile from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.

“In my view, Norfolk Southern wouldn’t do this out of their own goodness. There’s not much good going on there,” Shapiro said. “They need to be forced to act.”

Toxic chemicals in 11 derailed train cars

On February 3, about three dozen Norfolk Southern freight cars derailed near East Palestine, a town of about 4,800 people. Investigators from The National Transportation Safety Board pointed out that the derailment may have been caused by a wheel bearing failure; A preliminary report is expected next week.

Shaw declined to comment in the CNBC interview on potential causes, citing the investigation. He also said Norfolk Southern is working fully with the NTSB and the Federal Railroad Administration to determine the cause.

11 wagons derailed carrying harmful chemicals such as butyl acrylate and vinyl chloride, which are used to make rigid PVC.

Authorities responding to the crash were increasingly concerned that vehicles carrying vinyl chloride were at risk of catastrophic explosions. Eventually, officials evacuated the area to conduct a “controlled explosion,” sending a column of black smoke into the sky above the small town.

The evacuation order was lifted on February 8. Since then, some residents in the area have complained of health problems, such as headaches and nausea, and many have expressed concern. concerns about the possibility of air and water pollution.

EPA says air quality and urban water quality in East Palestine are normal

The derailment caused the release of harmful chemicals into the air and surface waters. However, recent water sample tests and air monitoring revealed no concerns regarding air quality or water quality in East Palestine’s urban water supply, EPA said Monday. The agency added that it will release more detailed data “when it becomes available.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said Ohio state officials have opened a health clinic in East Palestine for residents who believe they may have health problems as a result of the derailment.

“This really responds to the concerns we’ve been hearing, that people want to be able to go somewhere and get some answers about any kind of medical problem that they believe in fact. the economy they are having,” he said.

DeWine added that remediation efforts near the crash site are underway. To date, about 4,600 cubic yards of contaminated soil and 1.1 million gallons of water have been removed.

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