The image above shows the Norfolk Southern Booth at the East Palestine High School Gym.
Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published March 2, 2023 9:40 P.M.
(East Palestine, Ohio) Just a day shy of a month since the East Palestine train derailment, community members once again made their way to East Palestine High School for a public town meeting. This time, however, Norfolk Southern made an appearance. The event consisted of a resource fair with representatives from Norfolk Southern, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, among others. Residents were able to speak with representatives and ask questions one on one.
Beaver County Radio spoke to Darrell Wilson of Public Affairs for Norfolk Southern, and asked him who made the call to conduct the controlled detonation of the tanker cars. Wilson said that the decision was made by the Unified Command, a group of around 15 individuals including Norfolk Southern and local officials, as well as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Wilson added that East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick played a role in the decision as well and was in approval of the decision. He went on to say that a full explanation of the decision making process will be made public in approximately 6 months when the National Transportation Safety Board finishes their investigation. Wilson said he wants to people to know that Norfolk Southern “want to keep people informed”.
Beaver County Radio was also shown an air quality meter demonstration by NS air monitoring specialists. By using hand sanitizer, a representative showed the sensitivity levels of the devices in comparison to testing results they were providing which showed very little contamination detections in the area. The only place marked on the Norfolk Southern Air quality map as having contamination was the immediate area of the crash.
Norfolk Southern air testing map:
A Q&A took place at the event as well with East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway, the EPA, the Ohio EPA, the CDC/ATSDR, and Norfolk Southern. Those on stage answering questions were met with plenty of opposition from the crowd, who were simply making statements rather than asking questions for the most part. One resident asked Norfolk Southern if they have had any discussions about relocating people and NS replied they have not. Many went on to describe health issues they have been experiencing since the derailment, and a few made comments that the banks will not lend any money to residents of the town. Mayor Conaway stepped in and stated that he has had discussions with the banks, and they will not be denying anybody money due to the derailment. A video of the Q&A can be viewed below:
Norfolk Southern issued a track removal plan for the clean up process. They say residents can expect to see increased traffic, smell odors coming from the ground, and hear more noise. Air and water monitoring is will be in place during the process. A copy of the information provided by NS can be viewed below:
