Millions of toxic wastewater removed from East Palestine after train derailment; Cleanup continues

EAST PALESTINE — Millions of gallons of wastewater and tens of thousand tons of contaminated soil were removed from East Palestine due to the toxic train derailment that sent chemicals throughout the area. Even with so much of the natural material removed from the area, cleanup still continues in the area.

About 16.6 million gallons of liquid wastewater were hauled out of East Palestine in total, according to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In addition, 39,300 tons of excavated soil was removed from the area due in part to contamination. About 25,400 tons of soil still waited removal.

The agency continued to monitor the surface water to determine if it remained safe for residents to drink. According to their results, there was “significant” improvements in water quality and a reduction of contaminants.

The improvements came after the EPA began a sediment cleaning program of Leslie Run and Sulphur Run.

The next focus will be to “develop a sediment sampling plan and conduct a watershed survey,” an Ohio EPA spokesperson said.

These updates came after the EPA identified chemicals that were on the Norfolk Southern train that derailed.

One, vinyl chloride, was a carcinogen that could cause burning and irritation to the skin and eyes.

A hazardous materials specialist said it is possible some of these chemicals could be in homes and on objects around the city.

“We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open. I was surprised when they quickly told people they can go back home, but then said if they want their home’s tested they can have them tested. I would’ve far rather they did all the testing,” Silvero Caggiano, Administrative Deputy Chief at Mahoning County Hazardous Materials Response Agency, said.

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PHOTOS: Huge flames, heavy smoke billows from train derailment in East Palestine Flames can pour out of the scene of a train derailment in East Palestine. This photo was shared by a member of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department who helped their neighbors in East Palestine.

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