EPA orders Norfolk Southern to clean up Ohio community after toxic train derailment

Feb. 22 (UPI) — The Biden administration has ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up an environmental disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train laden with toxic chemicals derailed nearly three weeks ago, potentially contaminating the air, soil and drinking water. water throughout the region.

Tuesday EPA issued a directivewhich requires the company to “carry out all necessary clean-up activities”.

“Let me be clear: Norfolk Southern will pay to clean up the mess they have created and the trauma they have caused to this community,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “As we transition from emergency response, EPA will continue to coordinate closely with our local, state and federal partners as part of a whole-of-government approach to support the East Palestine community during the recovery phase. To the people of Eastern Palestine, the EPA is with you now and for as long as it takes.”

By order of the government, Norfolk Southern must meet several mandatory requirements in the coming weeks and months to avoid federal fines and sanctions that will more than triple the company’s costs.

The company must identify and clean up contaminated soil and water resources, reimburse the Environmental Protection Agency for contracted cleaning services for residents and businesses in the spill area, attend and participate in public meetings at the request of the Environmental Protection Agency, and post updates on the Internet, and pay the agency’s expenses for any work performed.

“As part of the order, EPA will approve a work plan outlining all steps needed to address environmental damage caused by the derailment,” the agency said. “If the company does not take any action in accordance with the EPA’s order, the agency will intervene immediately, do the necessary work, and then try to force Norfolk Southern to pay triple the amount.”

The federal order was issued the same day that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro asked the state attorney general to bring criminal charges against Norfolk Southern for possible failures that led to the disaster.

“Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air and clean water, and we will not hesitate to hold anyone or any company accountable for environmental crimes against our Commonwealth,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement.

Ohio Gov. Mike Devine said his administration is considering a similar move.

Shapiro cabinet made a statement Air and water quality indicators in Pennsylvania are still not a cause for concern after the Feb. 3 crash, it said Tuesday.

“We will hold Norfolk Southern responsible for any impact on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said Tuesday during a visit to Eastern Palestine by both governors, Reagan and other officials who sought to reassure residents and also provided an update on cleanup efforts. , health impact and environmental issues.

During one stop at a home in East Palestine on Tuesday, Regan, DeWine and other officials toasted before drinking from the kitchen tap to demonstrate that the water was safe.

“It might have been safe at the time, but it won’t always be,” said consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, who plans to hold a town hall in East Palestine later this week to address current issues. “We will have to deal with how all these chemicals migrate through the water, where they end up in the wells. So there is so much to ensure not only now but also in the future, these people, their water and their health are not endangered.”

Reagan, who was nearby, continued to insist that public safety was the government’s top concern in East Palestine, while stressing that the railroad company operating in 22 eastern states would be held accountable “for endangering health and safety.” this community.”

The company also faced several class action lawsuits related to the derailment and controlled burning of vinyl chloride, which sent a large plume of black smoke into the atmosphere on February 6.

Returning home five days after the disaster, residents became increasingly anxious, experiencing persistent symptoms including burning eyes, headaches and skin irritation.

Officials were on the scene for several days trying to quell the growing panic, which was exacerbated by about 3,500 small fish that were found dead in several miles of streams near the crash site.

Despite repeated assurances of water and air safety, East Palestine residents are still worried that people, domestic animals, crops and livestock were already affected in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

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