In this February 9, 2023 photo, cleanup efforts are continuing following the derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio.
Gene J. Puskar/AP
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Gene J. Puskar/AP
In this February 9, 2023 photo, cleanup efforts are continuing following the derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio.
Gene J. Puskar/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 in the rear a likely mechanical failure.
Under a legally binding order, Norfolk Southern is required to identify and clean up contaminated soil and water, pay for work performed by EPA, and reimburse the agency for additional cleaning services provided provided to residents and businesses.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said at a press conference Tuesday that the agency’s move comes as the emergency response effort has now turned into a cleanup operation that is the responsibility of the rail industry.
“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.
South Norfolk speak Second that it is working to excavate contaminated soil and water from the site. The company said it has so far paid out $3.4 million in financial assistance to families affected by the crash.
Ohio state officials opened a medical clinic in response to concerns from people who believe they may have health problems as a result of the derailment, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Tuesday.
“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 they believe in,” DeWine said. that they are in fact suffering from.”
