Ohio’s town’s residents skeptical of assurances after toxic spill
The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency got a first-hand look Thursday at the damage and emotional toll left by a freight train derailment in Ohio that spilled toxic chemicals and burned in a huge plume over homes and businesses.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan sought to reassure residents who are skeptical of testing results that say the air is safe to breathe and the water is fit for drinking around East Palestine, where close to 5,000 people live near the Pennsylvania state line.
“I’m asking they trust the government. I know that’s hard. We know there’s a lack of trust,” Regan said. “We’re testing for everything that was on that train.”
Residents are frustrated by what they say is incomplete and vague information about the lasting effects from the disaster.
“I have three grandbabies,” said Kathy Dyke, who came with hundreds of her neighbours to a public meeting Wednesday where representatives of railroad operator Norfolk Southern were conspicuously absent. “Are they going to grow up here in five years and have cancer?”
In the nearly two weeks since the derailment forced evacuations, residents have complained about suffering from headaches and irritated eyes and finding their cars and lawns covered in soot. The hazardous chemicals that spilled from the train killed thousands of fish, and residents have talked about finding dying or sick pets and wildlife.
Regan, who stood along a waterway still reeking of chemicals, said anyone who is fearful of being in their home should seek government testing.
“People have been unnerved. They’ve been asked to leave their homes,” he said, adding that if he lived there, he would be willing to move back into the area as long as the testing shows it’s safe.
Those attending Wednesday’s informational session demanded more transparency from Norfolk Southern, which did not attend, citing concerns about its staff safety.
Many who had waited in a long line snaking outside the high school gymnasium came away upset that they didn’t hear anything new. Some booed or laughed each time they heard the village mayor or state health director assure them that lingering odours from the the huge plumes of smoke aren’t dangerous.
“They just danced around the questions a lot,” said Danielle Deal, who lives a few kilometres from the derailment site.
Norfolk Southern announced this week that it is creating a $1-million US fund to help the community while continuing to remove spilled contaminants from the ground and streams.
At least five lawsuits have been filed against the railroad.