The Environmental Protection Agency responded to whistleblower claims regarding the handling of data collection after a Norfolk-Southern train derailment. The whistleblower alleged that the high-tech EPA plane used for surveying the damage was enlisted too late, potentially leading to unnecessary measures such as burning off toxic vinyl chloride. The plane, equipped with sensors and software, did not fly over the site until after the controlled release of chemicals, leading to a lack of confidence in the data collected.
Despite the whistleblower’s claims, the EPA disputed allegations of mistakes and lack of confidence in the data collected. The agency stated that weather conditions prevented prompt surveying of the location and that the aircraft was deployed as soon as requested. The EPA also mentioned that they had staff on the ground establishing air monitoring networks in the community and that readings from the ground before the plane flew over showed contaminants below detection levels.
Following the disaster, the EPA collected 28,000 air samples and stated that there have been no sustained chemicals of concern found in the air since residents were allowed back to their homes. The agency has committed to honoring public records requests and being transparent in its response to the tragedy. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office emphasized the importance of whistleblowers bringing forward time-sensitive and pertinent information in the immediate aftermath of the spill.
Politicians in the region, including Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Mike DeWine, have urged whistleblowers with relevant information to come forward. Vance criticized President Biden’s visit to East Palestine one year after the derailment as a political stunt. The disaster also affected neighboring areas in Pennsylvania, with State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. expressing disappointment over the alleged delays and botched response approaches. Efforts have been made to assist Pennsylvania-based victims of the disaster through added tax deductions.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano held hearings in Beaver County in response to the disaster, where residents discussed long-term effects. Efforts have been made to address concerns raised by whistleblowers and residents affected by the derailment. Calls for further investigation and accountability have been made by lawmakers and officials, seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future. Public figures involved in the response to the disaster have faced scrutiny over the handling of the situation and the impact on communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
