East Palestine Update – 2/26/23
Joe Lyons •
February 26, 2023
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Derailment Site Water Monitoring Wells
Ohio EPA is overseeing the installation of water monitoring wells that will be installed by a private contractor at the site of the train derailment.
This week, up to three wells will be drilled to determine if ground water immediately below the derailment site is contaminated, with a total of 10 wells planned after the soil under the rails is completely excavated. These monitoring wells will also support a better understanding of the direction and rate of the ground water flow in the area.
The wells announced today are in addition to four monitoring wells that were installed last week to monitor groundwater between Leslie Run and the village’s wellfield. Out of an abundance of caution, these four wells were drilled to detect any potential contaminants before they reach the village’s municipal water wells, which have been tested and determined to be safe.
Rail Cars
Other than the 11 cars being held as part of the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation, all rail cars have been removed from the derailment site.
Contaminated Waste Removal
Removal of contaminated soil and liquid from the train derailment site will resume tomorrow.
According to the U.S. EPA, the U.S. EPA has approved Norfolk Southern to transport contaminated soil to the Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio. The U.S. EPA has also approved Norfolk Southern to transport contaminated liquid to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio. The U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation will oversee the transport of the waste from East Palestine to the disposal sites.
The U.S. EPA also continues to work with Norfolk Southern to identify additional waste disposal locations.
Approximately 1.8 million gallons of liquid waste and 4,832 cubic yards of solid waste have been collected to date. Additional solid and liquid waste are being staged daily as the cleanup progresses.
Private Well Sampling
According to the Columbiana County Health Department, a total of 126 private wells have been tested for the presence of contaminants.
As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 578 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 15 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
Business Support
The Ohio Department of Development has a number of programs to support small businesses in Ohio. Businesses impacted by the train derailment are encouraged to email businesshelp@development.ohio.gov for more information.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Monday-Tuesday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.