Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday urged President Joe Biden to declare a major disaster in response to the toxic train derailment that occurred in East Palestine in February.
The incident resulted in the release of hazardous chemicals from several rail cars operated by Norfolk Southern and raised health concerns among local residents. DeWine emphasized the need for federal assistance to address the aftermath of the disaster.
In a letter to Biden, DeWine stressed that while no “unmet needs” had been reported to the state, there was a possibility that Norfolk Southern, the rail operator at the center of the disaster, could withdraw its voluntary support in the future. The operator has provided some compensation to individuals and local authorities to cover expenses associated with the incident.
The governor said that the declaration “is needed to ensure that the State and Federal government use all resources available to step in and provide the community with needed assistance.”
DeWine acknowledged the unique nature of the incident, noting that the state is still evaluating the current needs and potential future impacts on individuals and the community.
Controlled Burn
The Norfolk Southern freight train carrying dangerous chemicals, such as the highly flammable vinyl chloride, derailed in the northeastern Ohio town, which has a population of approximately 4,700. To prevent an explosion, crews performed a controlled burn of the chemical, which alleviated immediate dangers but raised new health concerns.The initial incident prompted the evacuation of around 2,000 residents. In the aftermath, residents have experienced symptoms such as rashes, headaches, and other ailments that they suspect might be connected to the train derailment. The clean-up of the area continues around five months later.
The governor’s plea to Biden comes after Federal Emergency Management Agency on June 29 denied Ohio’s request for an extension of time to request a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration as the state assesses its long-term needs. Ohio had already received an extension until July 3 to make that request.
The Ohio Department of Health has been working with the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a clinic in the community, focusing on addressing both the physical and mental health effects experienced by residents. However, the long-term health and economic consequences of the incident remain uncertain.
The toxic train derailment has not only raised health concerns but also impacted the local economy. Homeowners and businesses have experienced a decline in property values and a loss of business, as people are hesitant to visit the affected community.
DeWine concluded his letter by expressing the severity and magnitude of the incident, stating that the state and affected local governments lack the capabilities to respond effectively without supplementary federal assistance. He also said that residents continue to report health impacts.
“Residents continue to report medical conditions and are concerned that the air and water were impacted by the chemicals released during this incident,” he wrote.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency stated in a June update that over 20 million gallons of wastewater have been extracted from East Palestine. Around 11,400 tons of excavated soil are still awaiting removal, while officials have already removed 66,300 tons.
Significant progress has been made in the cleanup efforts. According to the latest update, the track area, including the north ditch, was expected to be fully cleaned up by mid-June. Norfolk Southern is also in the process of rebuilding the second rail line, a crucial step in restoring normal operations.
