Two years after the East Palestine derailment, the town remains vulnerable to risks from hazardous materials transported by freight trains. Norfolk Southern trains carrying vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, the chemicals involved in the 2023 disaster, regularly pass through East Palestine, along with trains carrying other hazardous materials. Residents lack access to readily available information about the cargo, raising concerns about emergency preparedness.
Though two years have passed since the East Palestine derailment that caused widespread evacuations and environmental damage, the town continues to face risks from hazardous materials transported by freight trains. On average, Norfolk Southern trains carrying vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, the key chemicals involved in the 2023 disaster, pass through East Palestine at least twice a week.
Even more frequent are trains carrying other hazardous materials, with Norfolk Southern trains with at least one hazardous materials placard passing through the derailment site an average of 10 times daily. Residents of East Palestine lack readily accessible information about the hazardous materials passing through their town. Without physically observing the trains and scrutinizing the hazardous material placards, they have no way of knowing what's on each railcar. Railroads lack an obligation to disclose detailed information about their cargo to local governments in advance. The Howard Center analysis revealing this information was only possible due to data provided by a private company, RailState LLC, which placed sensors near the derailment site. RailState collects detailed information about train movements and cargo, including hazardous materials, and sells it to various government agencies and clients. Norfolk Southern maintains that it shares information with first responders through AskRail, an industry-developed app accessible only to authorized personnel, and RapidSOS, a digital platform designed for emergency response agencies. However, these systems are intended for use after an accident, not for preemptive planning. The company states that information about the cargo is kept secure due to its sensitivity but acknowledges the need for first responders to know what's moving through their communities to create effective response plans in case of a rail emergency. Despite the risks, large railroads like Norfolk Southern are legally obligated to transport hazardous materials, and federal transportation officials consider rail the safest land-based method for moving these materials over long distances.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RAILROADS EAST PALESTINE DERAILMENT ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS SAFETY
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
JD Vance Returns to East Palestine Two Years After Devastating Train DerailmentVice President JD Vance will commemorate the second anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment with a return visit to the town. This marks his latest trip to the area since the incident, where he has previously met with residents and advocated for enhanced railway safety measures.
Read more »
Vance, DeWine, more to visit East Palestine on 2-year remembrance of train derailmentThe vice president of the United States will visit East Palestine two years after the East Palestine train derailment.
Read more »
East Palestine and Norfolk Southern Reach $22 Million Settlement Over Train DerailmentThe Village of East Palestine and Norfolk Southern Corporation have reached a $22 million settlement to resolve all claims arising from the February 3rd train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Read more »
East Palestine and Norfolk Southern Reach $22 Million Settlement Over Train DerailmentThe Village of East Palestine and Norfolk Southern have reached a $22 million settlement over the 2023 train derailment. The funds will be used for village priorities related to the derailment. Additionally, Norfolk Southern reaffirmed its $25 million commitment to improving East Palestine City Park.
Read more »
East Palestine Reaches $22 Million Settlement with Norfolk Southern Over Train DerailmentThe Village of East Palestine and Norfolk Southern have reached a $22 million settlement to resolve all claims arising from the February 3rd freight train derailment that released hazardous materials. The settlement addresses various priorities identified by the village and reaffirms Norfolk Southern's commitment to continued investments in the community.
Read more »
East Palestine and Norfolk Southern Reach $22 Million Settlement Over Train DerailmentEast Palestine, Ohio, and Norfolk Southern Railway have reached a $22 million settlement over the devastating 2023 train derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. The settlement addresses the village's priorities related to the derailment and acknowledges previous payments made by Norfolk Southern. While a proposed regional safety training center will not be built, the railroad remains committed to providing training for first responders. Additional legal actions are ongoing, including appeals for a higher settlement and lawsuits against other companies involved.
Read more »