The Story

The fallout from the catastrophic train derailment in Ohio is continuing to grow.

This is about East Palestine?

Yes. In the weeks since a Norfolk Southern train carrying dangerous chemicals derailed in Ohio, the EPA — which handles, among other things, industrial pollution and its effects — has taken control of the cleanup. So far, that’s included collecting more than 700 tons of solid waste and approximately two million gallons of liquid wastewater. On Thursday, the EPA ordered that the rail company test for dioxins, aka pollutants that can cause cancer and weaken people’s immune and reproductive systems. In spite of those steps, things are still complicated.

Tell me.

Audio leaks about lax inspections in the rail industry are reportedly coming to light. Cleaned-up toxic waste still has to go somewhere…and waste disposal sites as far away as Michigan and Texas are balking at taking Ohio’s toxic mess. Meanwhile, residents and cleanup crews are continuing to report health issues (think: migraines, nausea). At a town hall last week, angry residents confronted officials. Some expressed doubt about the findings from tests on chemical levels. Others pleaded with officials to “do the right thing" and “get our people out of here” — since a true cleanup reportedly might take years.

What will happen now?

The pressure on the railway industry, and Norfolk Southern in particular, is headed to the Senate. This week, the company’s CEO will testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, answering questions about the derailment. Meanwhile, a bipartisan bill introduced last week would enhance railway safety precautions — and has been hailed by President Biden. But like cleanup, lasting changes to regulations are likely to take time.