(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following is an update on the status of remediation work in East Palestine, Ohio.
East Palestine Health Assessment Clinic
The Ohio Department of Health has expanded eligibility for the East Palestine Health Assessment Clinic to the following townships: Middleton, Fairfield, Elkrun, and St. Clair in Columbiana County and Springfield in Mahoning County.
All health assessments are being conducted in person at the Health Assessment Clinic located at First Church of Christ. Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
During the first three days of operations, the clinic completed 77 appointments, including individual, couple, and family visits.
Visitors to the free clinic have received expanded services, which include a vital sign check, physician examination, and an assessment survey. Mental health clinicians and toxicologists are also available to assist patients, and referrals are being made, where appropriate.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888. Appointments remain available for this Saturday, and the clinic will also be open next week, Monday through Friday.
Contaminated Waste Removal
Ohio EPA continues to oversee the testing of the soil at the derailment site to ensure that all the contaminated soil is collected, removed, and properly disposed. This is an ongoing process that will continue as the cleanup progresses.
The latest estimate is that 4,832 cubic yards of soil have been excavated from the ground surrounding the derailment site. Once removed from the ground, the soils are temporarily contained in piles that are placed on, and covered with, industrial-strength liners. Of the total amount of excavated soil, approximately six truckloads have been hauled away en route to a hazardous waste disposal facility in Michigan.
Residents may detect odors in town from the truck hauling and when the soil is dug up under the tracks. U.S. EPA will continue air monitoring during this process.
A total of 2,027,140 gallons of contaminated liquid have also been pumped away from the derailment site. Of this, 1,384,640 gallons have been hauled away to hazardous waste disposal facilities in both Ohio and Texas. The remaining liquid is contained and staged for future transport.
VIDEO: Soil removal at the derailment site
Surface Water Sampling
According to the Ohio EPA, surface water testing is not detecting contaminants relating to the derailment upstream of the impacted waterways. The impacted area of Sulphur Run remains contaminated and testing continues to show readings of butyl acrylate and ethyl hexyl acrylate in Leslie Run. Remediation work, including aeration, continues.
Ohio Department of Development
Governor DeWine has directed the Ohio Department of Development to work to identify additional support that may be available for the East Palestine businesses and community members. Representatives from the agency traveled to Columbiana County today to meet with local officials and engage with community members on recovery needs and how the department may be able to assist citizens and business owners. The Ohio Department of Development administers more than 80 programs that support local communities, individuals, and small businesses.
Private Well Sampling
The Columbiana County Health Department reports that it has sampled 106 private wells in the East Palestine area. Final testing results are pending.
Those whose drinking water is sourced from a private well are encouraged to drink bottled water until testing results are returned. To schedule testing for your private well, call 330-849-3919.
Last week, test results confirmed that East Palestine’s municipal water was free from contaminants associated with the derailment. Out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio EPA will independently test the municipal water once a week to ensure that this water source remains free of contaminants associated with the derailment.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 569 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 20 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
For more information and previous updates, visit ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.