If his family had a house in the eastern Ohio village where a Norfolk Southern Railway train derailed, sending toxic chemicals into the air and ground, the rail company’s CEO said he would return home.
When asked by a reporter during a TV interview on Feb. 21 if he'd bring his children back to East Palestine right now, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw responded, “Yes, yes. I’ve come back multiple times and I’ve drank the water here. I’ve interacted with the families here.”
“I know they’re hurt, I know they’re scared, and I know they’re confused, they’re looking for information and who to trust. I encourage them to ask questions,” he said.
“I think when they really dig into it, they’re going to see that all the testing, whether it’s done by the EPA or local health officials or our independent contractors, shows that it’s safe to return to this community.”
On Feb. 3, a 151-car Norfolk Southern Railway freight train derailed in East Palestine.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that “38 rail cars derailed, and a fire ensued which damaged an additional 12 cars.”
“There were 20 total hazardous material cars in the train—11 of which derailed,” according to an NTSB statement.
Fears escalated in the immediate aftermath of the wreck. Seeking to avoid an explosion, officials decided to release and burn vinyl chloride from five rail cars, which sent flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky once more.
Vinyl chloride, a chemical used to make PVC pipes and other products, has received extensive attention as part of the emergency. The National Cancer Institute notes that vinyl chloride has been linked to cancers of the brain, lungs, blood, lymphatic system, and liver.
Other rail cars contained ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, and butyl acrylate, which are all used in the making of plastic products.
Officials from federal and state agencies have repeatedly said that tests show the air and water are safe in East Palestine and surrounding communities. However, residents continue to report headaches, vomiting, burning eyes, skin rashes, and other ailments.
To treat patients with symptoms after the derailment, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) on Feb. 21 opened a clinic in East Palestine.
Representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services and Columbiana County Health Department will assist the ODH.
In his comments on Feb. 21, Shaw added that people should seek medical attention if they are not feeling right.
“All the toxicology reports and testing shows we’re clean. However, if folks are experiencing symptoms with which they’re not accustomed, I would strongly encourage them to see a trusted medical professional,” Shaw said.
Last weekend, Shaw arrived in East Palestine and told residents said “we know we will be judged by our actions, and we are taking this accountability and responsibility very seriously.”
On Feb. 16, Shaw released an open letter to East Palestine residents said the company’s Family Assistance Center “is helping community members meet immediate needs.”
He added that “we have implemented a comprehensive testing program to ensure the safety of East Palestine’s water, air, and soil. And we have established a $1 million community support fund as a down payment on our commitment to help rebuild.”
“We will not walk away, East Palestine,” Shaw wrote.
“I know there are still a lot of questions without answers. I know you’re tired. I know you’re worried. We will not let you down,” he added.
U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan on Feb. 21 joined Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro at a press conference in East Palestine.
The EPA announced that Norfolk Southern must manage and fund all necessary cleanup related to the derailment.
The legally binding order requires that rail company identify and clean up any contaminated soil and water resources, and reimburse the EPA for cleaning services offered to residents and businesses.
The cleaning services will be conducted by the EPA and contractors, the agency said.
As part of the order, Norfolk Southern must also attend and participate in public meetings at the EPA’s request, and post information online.
Norfolk Southern drew the ire of East Palestine residents last week when the rail company dodged a town hall meeting.
The railroad is required to pay for the EPA’s costs associated with work completed under the order, which will take effect on Feb. 23.
Should Norfolk Southern not complete any of the order’s guidelines, the EPA said it will step in right away, complete the work, and then seek to have the railroad pay triple the cost for the services.
Shaw has not commented on the EPA’s order, but in the Feb. 21 interview, he said, “My commitment to this community is we will continue with the environmental remediation. We’ve made a lot of progress, and we’re cooperating and coordinating with the Ohio EPA on a long-term remediation plan.
“We’re going to continue our financial assistance to the residents of this community. So far, we’ve either reimbursed or committed $6.5 million to this community, and we’re working with the local officials here.”
