The photo above shows Governors Shapiro and DeWine shaking hands, also in the photo are PA Congressman Chris Deluzio, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, and East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway, among others at the press conference. (Curtis Walsh)
Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio news Director. Published February 21, 2023 3:01 P.M.

(East Palestine, Ohio) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan held a press conference with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, as well as other local leaders such as PA 17th District Congressman Chris Deluzio Tuesday afternoon in East Palestine. County Commissioner Dan Camp was also in attendance. Regan began by announcing under EPA authority, Norfolk Southern is ordered to clean up all contamination in soil and water as a result of the derailment, and dispose of it properly. Failure to comply will result in the EPA immediately stepping in to do the work themselves, while charging Norfolk Southern three times the price. The EPA states Norfolk Southern has 48 hours to respond to their order to begin an immediate comprehensive work plan. Governor Mike DeWine added that Norfolk Southern will be forced to tear up the tracks and properly remove the soil underneath, which was left when the railroad was repaired and reopened extremely quickly following the derailment. PA Governor Josh Shapiro commented that Pennsylvania DEP has already begun conducting private air and water quality tests and will continue to do so. Local Municipalities are also conducting testing of public water. The test findings will be made public. Anybody in Pennsylvania that has concerns with their private well water is advised to call the DEP Southwest Regional Office at 412-442-4000. Shapiro added “Norfolk Southern’s corporate greed, incompetency, and lack of care for our residents, is absolutely unacceptable”. The Mayor of East Palestine, Trent Conaway, stated during the conference that he has faith that the leaders will not forget about East Palestine, and trusts they will continue to help for as long as they need. At this time, there have been no concerning air or water quality test results for Pennsylvania. Air and water testing will continue for the foreseeable future.