More than 500 “home re-entry screenings” were carried out by federal officials in East Palestine, Ohio, following the train derailment and release of toxic chemicals in February, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Feb. 3 derailment toppled 38 rail cars. No one was hurt, but concerns over a potential explosion led state and local officials to approve releasing and burning toxic vinyl chloride from five tanker cars.
Federal officials conducted 578 home screenings and continue to maintain air monitoring at 16 stations within the community, according to a statement released by the EPA.
“There have been no exceedances for residential air quality standards, and outdoor air quality remains normal,” the statement reads.
On Feb. 24, the Biden administration ordered teams from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EPA, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to visit homes starting on Feb. 25. Workers were ordered to ask residents about how they’re doing, see what they need, and connect them with appropriate resources from government and nonprofit organizations, according to the White House.
The “walk teams” are modeled on similar teams used after hurricanes and other natural disasters. The administration directed employees to get to as many homes as possible by Feb. 27. Officials said the immediate goal was to visit at least 400.
As of March 2, FEMA stated that it had 66 of its staff on the ground in East Palestine.
“[We] will continue to assist with outreach across the affected communities to ensure that we are meeting people where they are and connecting them to critical federal, state, and local resources,” the statement reads. “Interagency teams were out in the community of East Palestine today to ensure residents were receiving up-to-date information.”
It’s not clear when—or if—President Joe Biden will visit the Ohio village. On Feb. 23, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made his first visit to the area, evaluating the crash site.
A preliminary report released on Feb. 23 by the National Transportation Safety Board states that the crew operating the Norfolk Southern freight train didn’t get much warning before dozens of cars went off the tracks and that there’s no indication that crew members did anything wrong.
On Feb. 28, the EPA opened an office where people can sign up for air monitoring inside their homes and cleaning services at their homes and businesses. Residents can also go to the office to ask officials other questions about the cleanup effort.
Health Concerns
Since February’s derailment and burning of vinyl chloride, a number of East Palestine residents have said that they’ve suffered a number of health problems, including bronchitis, rashes, headaches, respiratory problems, and more. There have also been reports of thousands of animals dying off, including fish, chickens, foxes, and cats.“I am writing to share with you the level of disregard that Norfolk Southern [NS] has for the safety of the railroad’s Workers, its track structure, and East Palestine and other American communities where NS operates,” the letter reads. “I am also imploring you as the Governor of the State of Ohio to use your influence and power to stop NS’s reckless business practices that endanger the public and their Workers.”
The EPA has ordered Norfolk Southern to cover the costs of cleaning up from the derailment and subsequent chemical release.
Norfolk Southern is scheduled to attend a public meeting with residents of East Palestine on March 2 at the request of the EPA. Officials with the firm declined to attend a meeting in February, citing safety concerns.
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