WASHINGTON: U.S. officials sought Thursday to reassure an increasingly nervous public of the government’s commitment following a train derailment that released toxic chemicals into the ground, air and water. Ohio Water.
No traces of vinyl chloride, a colorless carcinogenic gas, or hydrogen chloride were detected after examining more than 480 homes in the crash area, said Michael Reganadministrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. “I want this community to know that they don’t have to deal with this issue themselves. We will be there to help you,” Regan said. Water from the city’s wells, streams and taps has been tested for multiple factors “to ensure that we are protecting these communities”, he added. The derailment of the Norfolk Southern freight train on February 3 started a massive fire.
To avoid an explosion, the railroad conducted a controlled release of the chemicals, which released toxic and potentially deadly fumes into the air, the Ohio governor’s office said. “We’re going to get to the bottom of it,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, adding, “We’re going to hold Norfolk Southern accountable.”
Hundreds of evacuated residents were allowed to return home, but many expressed concern over health issues, with some reporting headaches and saying they feared they might end up with cancer in several years. Some 3,500 fish died meanwhile along 12 miles of nearby streams, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported.
Authorities say tests show the air is healthy and no pollutants are detected in the municipal water system. However, those whose water comes from private wells should continue to use bottled water until their well is tested, they said. A resident told local TV station WKYC that people were “suspicious, paranoid and worried. “On Thursday, another Norfolk Southern train derailed outside of Detroit, Michigan in the small community of Township of Van Buren.
No traces of vinyl chloride, a colorless carcinogenic gas, or hydrogen chloride were detected after examining more than 480 homes in the crash area, said Michael Reganadministrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. “I want this community to know that they don’t have to deal with this issue themselves. We will be there to help you,” Regan said. Water from the city’s wells, streams and taps has been tested for multiple factors “to ensure that we are protecting these communities”, he added. The derailment of the Norfolk Southern freight train on February 3 started a massive fire.
To avoid an explosion, the railroad conducted a controlled release of the chemicals, which released toxic and potentially deadly fumes into the air, the Ohio governor’s office said. “We’re going to get to the bottom of it,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, adding, “We’re going to hold Norfolk Southern accountable.”
Hundreds of evacuated residents were allowed to return home, but many expressed concern over health issues, with some reporting headaches and saying they feared they might end up with cancer in several years. Some 3,500 fish died meanwhile along 12 miles of nearby streams, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported.
Authorities say tests show the air is healthy and no pollutants are detected in the municipal water system. However, those whose water comes from private wells should continue to use bottled water until their well is tested, they said. A resident told local TV station WKYC that people were “suspicious, paranoid and worried. “On Thursday, another Norfolk Southern train derailed outside of Detroit, Michigan in the small community of Township of Van Buren.
