East Palestine Update – 2/17/23 – 2:15 p.m.
Ohio will set up a medical clinic in East Palestine next week to engage with residents, answer questions, evaluate any symptoms, and provide medical expertise.
In response to a request from Governor DeWine, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will send federal officials to East Palestine to support the clinic.
“We know that the science says that East Palestine is safe, but we also know that residents are very worried,” said Governor DeWine. “They are asking themselves ‘Is my headache just a headache? Or is it a result of the chemical spill? Are other medical symptoms caused by the spill?’ Those are very legitimate questions and residents deserve answers.”
Working with the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio EPA, and U.S. EPA, HHS teams will begin seeing patients early next week. Teams will include national experts on the impacts of chemical exposure.
The location of the clinic and hours are will be announced on ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine when this information is available.
Emotional Support
Because of the tremendous toll the train derailment has had on residents in East Palestine, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is supporting the county Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board to ensure that residents know what resources are available.
More information will be available soon at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
In addition to local resources, the Ohio Careline, 1-800-720-9616, is open 24 hours a day and staffed with trained mental health professionals who are there to listen and help. All calls are free and confidential. They can also connect you with local resources if follow-up care is needed.
FEMA
East Palestine currently does not qualify for FEMA assistance. Although FEMA is synonymous with disaster support, they are most typically involved with disasters where there is tremendous home or property damage such as tornadoes, flooding, and hurricanes.
However, to ensure that East Palestine can receive assistance from FEMA should this disaster qualify for FEMA aid in the future, Governor DeWine is preemptively filing a request with FEMA to preserve these rights.
A recording of today’s public briefing can be found at ohiochannel.org.
Air Monitoring
Twenty air monitors, strategically located throughout the community by U.S. EPA and an independent contractor, continue to monitor outdoor air. Those monitors, which are not detecting contamination from the derailment, continue to be moved throughout the area to collect samples from various locations.
The U.S. EPA, in partnership with an independent contractor, also continue to monitor the air in and around East Palestine. To date, the air has been sampled in 500 homes with no detections of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with the train derailment. More than two dozen additional homes are scheduled for air testing today. Teams are still taking appointments for those who wish to schedule a screening. To make an appointment, call 330-849-3919.
Apart from the derailment, VOCs are generally present in things such as paint, flooring, carpet, furniture, and cigarette smoke. Although the testing in approximately 75 homes did show elevated levels of VOCs, further testing found that contaminants of concern from the derailment were not present in these homes.
Residential Well Sampling
Although testing results from East Palestine’s municipal water source have determined that municipal drinking water is safe to drink, those who get their water from private wells are still encouraged to use bottled water until their water is tested.
Testing results are pending for 38 private wells and more wells are scheduled for testing today. To schedule testing for your private well, call 330-849-3919.
Ohio River
The chemical plume of butyl acrylate in the Ohio River has dissipated.
The level of concern for this contaminant is 560 parts per billion, and readings yesterday were under 3 parts per billion. Water testing on the Ohio River is no longer detecting the presence of butyl acrylate or any other contaminant associated with the derailment.
Sulphur Run
Visible chemical contamination in the section of Sulphur Run that is directly near the crash site should be expected, and this area should be avoided.
Very soon after the crash, Sulphur Run was dammed so that the contamination in that part of the creek does not contaminate other waterways. Teams are pumping clean creek water from the point of the eastern dam, funneling it away from the contaminated section of the creek, and releasing it back into Sulphur Run at the western dam. This allows clean water to bypass the area of the derailment and prevents clean creek water from picking up contaminants and carrying them into other waterways.
The remediation of the impacted area of the creek is expected to take time, and residents are encouraged to avoid that area.
Waste Removal
- Contaminated Soil: To date, 8,350 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been removed from the immediate area of the derailment. This soil has been moved into containers and stockpiled for proper disposal.
- Contaminated Water: Although most contaminants did not enter local waterways, contaminants are pooling at the derailment site in puddles and ditches. A total of 1.1 million gallons of contaminants and contaminated liquid have been removed from the immediate site and stockpiled for proper disposal.
More Information
Additional information related to the cleanup process, including contact phone numbers, press conference videos, FAQs, water and air sampling information, and previous updates can be found at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
East Palestine Update – 2/16/23 – 1:15 p.m.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following is the latest update from Governor DeWine, the Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio Department of Agriculture regarding work underway in East Palestine.
Letter to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
Governor DeWine sent a letter to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requesting that they immediately send medical experts to East Palestine to evaluate and counsel members of the community who have questions and/or are experiencing symptoms.
Weather/Rain Runoff – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
In anticipation of rainfall, emergency response teams have put plans in place to prevent contaminants that have not yet been removed from the derailment site from washing into local waterways during the storms.
Sulphur Run has been dammed both west of the crash site and east of the crash site, leaving an empty creek bed between the two dams in the area of the crash. Teams are pumping clean creek water from the point of the eastern dam, funneling it away from the dry creek bed area, and releasing it back into Sulphur Run at the western dam. This allows clean water to bypass the area of the derailment and prevents clean creek water from picking up contaminants and carrying them into other waterways.
As it relates to the rainfall, this process will also control any contaminated rainwater runoff, which will run into the dry creek bed where it will be removed and remediated.
Steam Release – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Residents in East Palestine may have noticed visible emissions in the area of the derailment yesterday. The railroad was using steam to heat a damaged railcar containing paraffin wax. The melted wax was transported into another tank without being exposed to the air.
Ohio River Chemical Plume – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
The chemical plume of butyl acrylate in the Ohio River is currently located near Gallipolis, Ohio, and will be near Huntington, West Virginia, sometime tomorrow. Testing results indicate that the chemical is currently present at levels below 3 parts per billion, which is well below the 560 parts per billion that the CDC considers hazardous. No vinyl chloride has been detected in the Ohio River.
Butyl acrylate’s water-solubility makes it harder to contain because it is absorbed by water (similar to sugar in water) instead of staying separate from water (similar to oil and water). For this reason, some butyl acrylate slipped beyond mitigation dams and booms and into the Ohio River. Aeration points have been added to further remove the butyl acrylate from the water, which has been effective in decreasing chemical levels.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission and other agencies along the river are actively sampling water at strategic locations and are closing drinking water intakes in advance of the plume to prevent any butyl acrylate from entering the drinking water. This, combined with enhanced water treatment procedures, will ensure the safety of the drinking water supply for communities along the River.
Air Monitoring – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. EPA has been and will continue monitoring air purity in the East Palestine area. The latest air monitoring results provided by the U.S. EPA continue to show no presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the train crash.
Similarly, the U.S. EPA reports that it is not detecting any airborne phosgene or mineral acids, which were chemicals of concern directly related to the controlled burn process. Because these substances have not been detected, and because emissions from the controlled release have dissipated, the U.S. EPA has stopped air monitoring for these two specific contaminants.
Residents in and around the area may notice a smell from the site. This is because some of the contaminants that were released into the environment have a low odor threshold, which means that these contaminants can be smelled at levels much lower than what is considered hazardous.
Occupancy Testing – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
To date, the U.S. EPA and an independent contractor supporting remediation efforts in East Palestine have tested the air inside 474 homes for the presence of VOCs released from the train derailment. Apart from the derailment, VOCs are generally present in things, such as paint, flooring, carpet, furniture, and cigarette smoke. Although the testing in approximately 75 homes did show elevated levels of VOCs, further testing found that contaminants of concern from the derailment (vinyl chloride and hydrogen chloride) were not present in these homes.
Thirty additional homes are scheduled to be tested today, and testing appointments continue to be scheduled. A total of 43 homes have canceled their requests for air quality testing.
Air quality testing is voluntary for residents in East Palestine. To request home air testing, call 330-849-3919.
Waste Removal – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Contaminated Soil: To date, 3,150 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been removed from the area of the derailment. This soil has been moved into containers and stockpiled for proper disposal. Once the impacted soil is removed, the remaining soil is covered with mulch to absorb any additional seepage and to absorb the chemicals. The mulch is regularly replaced to ensure continued absorption. The chemical-laden mulch is then stockpiled for proper disposal. The process to remove contaminated soil and control seepage will continue.
- Contaminated Water: Although most contaminants did not enter local waterways, contaminants are pooling at the derailment site in puddles and ditches. A total of 942,000 gallons of contaminants and contaminated liquid have been removed from the immediate site. It is estimated that 110,000 gallons of contaminants at the site will be removed for proper disposal within the next 24 hours.
Wildlife – Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has not received any additional reports of deceased wildlife. The total estimated number of aquatic animals killed remains at approximately 3,500. Those animals were found in Sulphur Run, Leslie Run, Bull Creek, and a portion of the North Fork of Beaver Creek. Most of the fish appear to be small suckers, minnows, darters, and sculpin. Most of these deaths are believed to have been caused by the immediate release of contaminants into the water, prior to mitigation efforts put in place following the crash. ODNR has not found any evidence of continued risk to aquatic life, but officers will continue sampling waterways.
Farm/Domestic Animals – Ohio Department of Agriculture
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has received tissue samples from one six-week-old beef calf that died on February 11, 2023, in an area located approximately two miles from East Palestine. ODA’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is performing a diagnostic work-up to determine if a cause of death can be identified.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture continues to assure Ohioans that its food supply is safe and the risk to livestock remains low following the East Palestine train derailment.
There is no information to suggest that pets are not safe outside, but if you believe your domestic animal has been sickened as a result of the train derailment, please contact your local veterinarian.
Ohio CareLine
As a reminder, East Palestine residents who are struggling with anxiety and stress related to the derailment or are in need of emotional support may call the Ohio Careline at 1-800-720-9616 anytime 24/7 to talk with trained specialists for free, confidential support.
More Information
Additional information related to the cleanup process, including contact phone numbers, press conference videos, FAQs, water and air sampling information, and previous updates can be found at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
East Palestine Update – 2/16/23 11:00 a.m.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke with officials at the White House early this morning to address the need for federal help. As a result of this conversation, the Governor has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Emergency Response Team, and the CDC to provide on-the-ground assistance in East Palestine.
The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support, however FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time. Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.
East Palestine Update – 2/16/23 11:00 a.m.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke with officials at the White House early this morning to address the need for federal help. As a result of this conversation, the Governor has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Emergency Response Team, and the CDC to provide on-the-ground assistance in East Palestine.
The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support, however FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time. Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.
East Palestine Water Quality Update
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio) — The following is a status update regarding water testing results in East Palestine as of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Municipal Water Testing Results:
New water testing results have been returned to the Ohio EPA. These results show no detection of contaminants in raw water from the five wells that feed into East Palestine’s municipal water system.
Test results from the combined, treated water from all five wells also showed no detection of contaminants associated with the derailment.
With these tests results, Ohio EPA is confident that the municipal water is safe to drink.
Additional Information on the East Palestine Municipal Water System:
East Palestine’s municipal water system, which provides drinking water for most area residents, takes in water from five wells that are located approximately one mile from the derailment site. The municipal wells are at least 56 feet below the surface and are covered by a solid steel casing that protects the water from contamination. Before drinking water is made available to the public, water from these five wells is combined at the water treatment plant and treated.
Although it was unlikely that any contaminants entered the wells that serve the municipal water supply, Ohio EPA tested the combined, treated water soon after the derailment. Those tests showed no contamination.
Out of an abundance of caution, Ohio EPA took samples of raw, untreated water directly from all five wells over the past week. A new sample of the combined, treated water was also collected.
As noted above, new testing results from the five wells, as well as the treated water sample, showed no evidence of contamination associated with the derailment.
Private Water Wells:
Because private water wells may be closer to the surface than the municipal water wells, the Ohio EPA recommends that those who receive drinking water from private water wells schedule an appointment for well water testing by an independent consultant.
For information on how to schedule your private water well for testing, call 330-849-3919. The Ohio Department of Health encourages those with private wells to use bottled water until their well water testing results are returned.
More information can be found at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
East Palestine Update: Residents Can Safely Return Home
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – Feb. 8, 2023) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, East Palestine Fire Chief and Incident Commander Keith Drabick, and local, state, and federal officials representing both states announced today that evacuated residents in and around East Palestine can now safely return home.
Hundreds of residents evacuated their homes after a Norfolk Southern Railroad train carrying vinyl chloride derailed in Columbiana County on Friday night. To avert a possible explosion, the railroad conducted a controlled release of the chemicals, which discharged toxic and potentially deadly fumes into the air on Monday afternoon.
Air quality samples in the area of the wreckage and in nearby residential neighborhoods have consistently showed readings at points below safety screening levels for contaminants of concern. Based on this information, state and local health officials determined that it is now safe for community members to return to their residences.
There will be ongoing air monitoring in the area, but for those who would like air quality readings to be conducted within their homes, Norfolk Southern Railroad has hired an independent contractor to work with local law enforcement, the U.S. EPA, and state officials to take air quality samples and provide results at no charge to residents. Free testing of water from private wells in the impacted area will also be offered by the independent contractor hired by the railroad. In the interim, those with private water wells are encouraged to use bottled water, which will be supplied by Norfolk Southern. Those who remain uncomfortable returning home at this time can also request assistance with hotel expenses from the railroad.
Residents with questions about hotel assistance, water testing, or air sampling should call Norfolk Southern’s Family Assistance Center at 800-230-7049.
Media with questions on support for residents can contact the railroad at 404-420-4444 or media.relations@nscorp.com.
The governors and incident commander are grateful for support received from local, state, federal, and private entities including but not limited to those from East Palestine, New Waterford, Negley, Springfield, Columbiana, Leetonia, Beaver Township, Salem, Perry Township, Lisbon, Boardman, Poland, Canfield, Youngstown Airport, Liverpool Township, Calcutta, Glenmoor, Austintown, New Middletown, Wellsville, Highland Township, Franklin Township, Lowellville, West Point Township, Hanover Township, Damascus, Homeworth, East Liverpool, Columbiana County Hazmat, Columbiana County EMA, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, Columbiana County Commissioners, Ellsworth, Beloit, Mahoning County Hazmat, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Unity Township, Ohio Incident Management Team, Ohio Department of Transportation, Columbia Gas, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio National Guard, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio EPA, Dominion Gas, Columbiana County Department of Health, Ohio Department of Health, Beaver Falls, Hooktown, Darlington, South Beaver, Big Knob, Enon Valley, West Mayfield, Pine Run, Beaver County, Shell Emergency Response Team, Beaver County Airport, Lawrence County Airport, North Swickley, Franklin Township, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania EPA, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania State Police, Conway, Chewton, Northwestern EMS, US EPA, Norfolk Southern Police & Hazmat, CTEH, National Transportation Safety Board, TC Energy, SRS US Ecology.
East Palestine Update: Evacuation Area Extended, Controlled Release of Rail Car Contents Planned for 3:30 p.m.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio Feb. 6, 2023—Following new modeling information conducted this morning by the Ohio National Guard and U.S. Department of Defense, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are ordering an immediate evacuation in a one-mile by two-mile area surrounding East Palestine which includes parts of both Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The vinyl chloride contents of five rail cars are currently unstable and could potentially explode, causing deadly disbursement of shrapnel and toxic fumes. To alleviate the risk of uncontrollable shrapnel from an explosion, Norfolk Southern Railroad is planning a controlled release of the vinyl chloride at approximately 3:30 p.m. today.
According to Norfolk Southern Railroad, the controlled release process involves the burning of the rail cars’ chemicals, which will release fumes into the air that can be deadly if inhaled. Based on current weather patterns and the expected flow of the smoke and fumes, anyone who remains in the red affected area is facing grave danger of death. Anyone who remains in the yellow impacted area is at a high risk of severe injury, including skin burns and serious lung damage.
In Ohio, the areas at risk include eastern East Palestine, including Parker, South Pleasant, BFI Access Road, Taggart Street, North Pleasant Road, Failor Road, and East Martin, east of Pleasant. Those who need help evacuating the area should call 330-457-0733 or 330-457-2455. According to the Columbiana County Sheriff, those with children in their homes who decline to evacuate may be subject to arrest.
In Pennsylvania, anyone needing assistance should call the State Police Beaver Station at 724-773-7400. Anyone in the area in need of information regarding the evacuation and shelter in place orders should call Beaver County Emergency Services at 724-775-0880.
It is believed that most individuals have already left the impacted areas, but law enforcement in both states are currently working to ensure that all individuals have left the vicinity prior to the controlled release. Depending on the exact amount of material currently inside the rail cars, the railroad estimates that the controlled release of chemicals could burn for 1 to 3 hours. It is unknown when residents will be able to return to their homes but an announcement will be made when it is safe to return.
