MONACA, Pa. — Community members say there is a lot of uncertainty and no direction. They question the potential long-term health effects as some are already feeling symptoms. Others are getting emotional, worrying about the safety of their families and animals.
People living in East Palestine, Beaver and Lawrence Counties gathered in the gymnasium of Beaver County’s community college to ask questions related to the toxic train derailment.
Community members spent the time sharing their concerns with lawmakers directly.
“I want to know my water is safe and my land is safe. I have grandchildren, neighbors, animals, and we can’t get any answers,” said Lori O’Connell from Darlington Township.
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee hosted the public hearing at the college to go over the impacts the train derailment has had on Pennsylvania.
“Was Norfolk Southern more concerned about opening the tracks up again than your health? I think so,” said Senator Dog Mastriano.
Mastriano was joined by other senators from across the state. Along with local officials and leaders of the DEP and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
The PEMA director, Randy Padfield, testified they found out through social media that the East Palestine fire chief was evaluating everyone within one mile of the derailment. He also said officials were told Norfolk Southern planned a controlled burn of just one car and then turned around and said they were doing five cars instead, with no alternative.
Mastriano said Norfolk Southern’s president was invited to the meeting but declined.
“I’m happy the Senate is shining a light on the lack of transparency from Norfolk Southern. One of the issues we had since Feb. 3 until now is lack of transparency and I know our officials will hold Norfolk Southern accountable,” said Daniel Camp, Beaver County Commissioner.
The DEP’s acting secretary, Richard Negrin said they will continue air monitoring. They will also start groundwater samples in wells, including private wells and will soon start surface level monitoring, including soil. That will be done in a two-mile radius. They are testing for volatile organic compounds. Anyone outside the two miles can request from the DEP.
The results from those tests will be posted on the DEP’s website which is expected to take a few weeks.
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