EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Community members in East Palestine had the chance to ask government and Norfolk Southern leaders questions during a meeting Thursday night, and residents did not hold back their frustration and anger over how things have been handled since the train derailment Feb. 3.
People gathered at East Palestine High School for a resource fair and question-and-answer forum with spokespeople from U.S. and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and Norfolk Southern.
The EPA required the railroad to come to the event after backing out of the first town hall due to safety concerns for employees.
“We are sorry, and we do care. We do,” said Norfolk Southern representative Darrell Wilson to the crowd of concerned residents.
Thursday was the first time a Norfolk Southern representative was forced to answer to residents in a public setting, and people stepped up to the microphone at East Palestine High School to make their voices heard.
“I can’t live with myself and watch my kids die in my own home,” said resident Ashley Mccollum.
“In no way, shape or form will Norfolk Southern get off the hook for the mess they’ve created,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore.
Linda Murphy has lived in East Palestine for 25 years. Spectrum News asked her what it would take to feel safe again in her home.
“I don’t know that I ever will,” she replied.
Residents report a range of symptoms since the fiery crash and controlled release of toxic chemicals one month ago.
Peggy Caratelli returned to her East Palestine home less than a week ago. She and her husband were staying with family out of town.
“We’re even second guessing being here now. But there’s so much going on that we don’t want to miss any of the information,” said Caratelli.
Many worry about short and long-term health effects.
“I have shortness of breath. I have a hard time catching my breath. Difficulty breathing, headaches,” listed Murphy.
The EPA said it needs about three more weeks to collect data regarding any adverse health effects. The agency said it aims to give peace of mind by sharing the testing of the air and water indicates everything is safe.
But some residents are still questioning the results.
“This is our home. We can’t just pick up and go, especially if you’re invested. If you’re a homeowner, we’re kind of stuck,” said Murphy.
Jerry Coblentz said he wants to believe officials are telling the truth. He lives half a mile away from the derailment site.
“But we still need answers because we’re not getting the right answers. They say the air is good, and people get sick and stuff like that so something’s not right here and now we don’t know who to believe,” he said.
The EPA announced it is now requiring the railroad to sample directly for dioxins under their oversight. The EPA said Norfolk Southern will handle immediate cleanup if contaminants are found to be at levels that jeopardize people’s health.
“This is all on them, and now you have affected every aspect of our life. How do I move forward from here? You’ve touched me financially. You’ve touched my property. You’ve touched my farm. You’ve touched my animals. You’ve touched my family, my friends. You’ve touched my finances and these dioxins will touch me at a cellular level maybe not now, but maybe years from now,” said Murphy.
The EPA said the train track and contaminated soil removal process could begin as soon as Friday.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, fewer than 5,000 people call the village of East Palestine home and residents fear their small community has been forever changed.
“Is it ever going to be what is was on Feb. 2? I don’t think so. Not in my lifetime it’s never going to get right again,” said Murphy.
According to the latest update on Norfolk Southern’s website, CEO Alan Shaw personally donated $445,000 to set up a scholarship endowment fund for East Palestine High School seniors. The railroad also donated $300,000 to the school district to support academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. The East Palestine Fire Department received approximately $2.87 million from Norfolk Southern to reimburse for the fire equipment used in the derailment response.
