Newsletter: East Palestine Train Derailment Response, 8-22-2023
Newsletter serving Serving East Palestine, Negley, Darlington, and surrounding communities
- Progress Made
- The Look Ahead
- Site Status Check
- Community Corner
- Did you Know?
- Top 3 Questions of the Week
- Safety Minute
- Upcoming Events
- Stay Informed
- About this Publication
Progress Made
South Ditch Excavation Progresses
Excavation of contaminated soil is ongoing at the South Ditch area running along the south track. During the excavation, a fiber optic line was found in certain areas planned for excavation, and for safety reasons, it was determined to keep the fiber optic bundle in place and to work around it while excavating and sampling. Where the fiber optic line is within the excavation area, additional soil sampling will occur above and underneath the fiber optic line.
Air Monitoring
The number of EPA air monitoring stations around the derailment site have been reduced from 15 to 9. Air monitoring data shows no work-related detections throughout the excavation activities. The remaining monitors still surround heavy haul areas near the work zone. Norfolk Southern contractors have additional air monitoring stations around the derailment site.
South Ditch Excavation Begins
Excavation is expected to start soon at the south ditch. Sheet piling was installed to ensure the stability of the surrounding soil and rail. Once excavation begins, it is expected to take several weeks.
Water and Sediment Sampling Continues
Sediment sampling in Sulphur and Leslie Run has been completed. The results will be used to assess the impact from the derailment on the streams. More cleanup work may be conducted depending on the results of this assessment. Surface water sampling continues.
The Look Ahead
At the Derailment Site
- The South Ditch excavation will continue.
- The excavation of Car Scrapping Area 4 south of the rail lines will begin.
- The on-site wastewater treatment system will begin start up testing Once this testing is complete, off-site disposal of treated wastewater could begin within the following 1-2 weeks.
- Shipments of excavated soil and untreated wastewater for off-site disposal will continue.
- Taggart Street remains closed to the public.
- Daily drone operations for mapping the incident and surrounding areas will continue to aid in monitoring and oversight.
In the Greater Community
- Pre-cleaning interviews for indoor cleaning of eligible homes and businesses will continue.
- September 5 is the deadline to submit the request for indoor cleaning of eligible homes and businesses. This service is offered to address potential dust emissions generated as part of the cleanup work. Once the request is submitted, applicants will be contacted for a pre-cleaning interview. For more information call the EPA Welcome Center at 330-775-6517.
- Sediment sampling continues in Sulphur Run and will begin in Leslie Run.
- Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) demolished the bridge over Leslie Run in East Palestine. ODOT is expected to continue working on this project. This work is not related to the derailment. For more information contact ODOT at 330-308-7817.
Community Corner
East Palestine Clinic Continues to officer Free Services
The East Palestine Clinic continues to offer free initial screenings which include an examination, blood work and labs for any residents in need. The clinic will also evaluate patients for any illness they feel is related to the derailment. The clinic does not have an end time for residents to enroll. Residents can schedule same day appointments and the clinic will accept new patients for primary care. Having a primary care provider is the most crucial step in the preventative maintenance of your everyday health. Call today for a same day appointment: 330-362-4920. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The clinic is located at 139 North Walnut Street in East Palestine.
Did you know?
West Mayfield Pennsylvania is celebrating 100 years! In 1816, Mayfield was incorporated into Chippewa, and in 1887 the land was passed to the newly formed White Township. Around this time, the area known as Mayfield was little more than a station on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The station got its name from a farm up on the hill known as Mayfield Cottage. The area west of the station was known as West Mayfield. In 1880, the Edwards School was built. This one-room red brick structure also served as a community meeting house and an auditorium for lectures and other programs. In 1923, West Mayfield split from White Township and incorporated. This year, the West Mayfield Centennial Jubilee will celebrate its history with a parade, music, food, craft vendors, a ball field naming ceremony, activities for kids, and a historical display.
Site Status Check as of August 18
-
North Track: In operation
South Track: In operation -
Leslie Run:Stream monitoring and sampling continues
Sulphur Run:Stream monitoring and sampling continues -
90.197 est. tons of solid waste shipped offsite
Top 3 Questions of the Week
Safety Minute
Cycling at Night
Although it may be thrilling to ride a bike around through the dark, it’s imperative to stay safe.
Consider these general safety tips when riding in the dark:
- Avoid construction sites
- Equip yourself with the right lights.
- Make yourself visible
- Ride with a buddy.
Upcoming Community Events
- The East Palestine Support Group meets the second Monday of each month at the First Church of Christ
- August 26 - West Mayfield Centennial Jubilee in the Borough of West Mayfield
- August 26 – Final Artisans Against Domestic Violence at East Palestine Country Club
- August 30 to September 4 – Canfield Fair at 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Rd
Stay Informed
EPA will be releasing weekly short videos call “This Week at E.P.” to share what work will be occurring on site in the upcoming week. You can find them on our website: East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Videos
Follow the EPA Great Lakes Facebook and Twitter pages for social media updates on the ongoing cleanup and other EPA activities in your region.