Federal agencies respond to East Palestine

On Saturday, representatives from multiple government agencies arrived in East Palestine, Ohio, to monitor the site of a Feb. 3 train derailment. They promised to go door-to-door to speak with residents about health and cleanup concerns. Some of the train cars were carrying hazardous chemicals that were released into the environment. Norfolk Southern burned up some of the chemicals to get rid of hazardous materials and prevent an explosion.

What services are the agencies providing? County emergency response teams have distributed flyers to the community with phone numbers for medical and informational resources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is setting up surveys to measure health effects among residents, some of whom have reported severe headaches, nosebleeds, and breathing difficulties. County medical centers set up a free clinic at a local church last week. The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Norfolk Southern to pause its cleanup operation after residents raised concerns that the company was covering up contaminated soil rather than removing it. State environmental director Anne Vogel confirmed that all drinking water is safe, according to preliminary and ongoing testing.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report in The Sift on lawsuits filed against Norfolk Southern.