The EPA temporarily halted the out-of-state shipments and rerouted them to certified facilities in Ohio as fallout from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment continues as other states raise concerns.
Norfolk Southern, the rail company being held responsible for cleaning up the leak of toxic chemicals at the derailment site, was expecting to ship about two-million gallons of contaminated firefighting water to a facility in Harris County, Texas, and solid waste materials to a facility in Belleville, Michigan.
The operations were apparently being carried out without officials in both the states being notified until the Environmental Protection Agency stepped in last week.
"I know there are folks in other states who have concerns, legitimate concerns, about how this waste is being transported and how it will be disposed of. EPA will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to use our longstanding experience and expertise in these matters to ensure the health and safety, and support the East Palestine community and to hold Norfolk Southern accountable," Debra Shore, an EPA regional administrator, said at a press conference.
In East Palestine, residents are still concerned about contaminants that have leaked into the soil and air. This week, additional wells will be drilled under the crash site to assess groundwater contamination, according to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
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