UPDATE Shapiro says Pa. will monitor water samples collected near train derailment independently

Feb. 16—Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that the commonwealth will independently monitor water samples collected in western Pennsylvania near the toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment just across the state line in Ohio.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will also assist in evaluating source water at the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority's surface water intake on the Beaver River amid concerns from public water suppliers, according to the governor. An authority treatment plant is 11 miles from the scene in East Palestine.

A basic evaluation of groundwater flow near the derailment all but rules out contamination of water wells in Pennsylvania, according to the governor's announcement.

Ongoing air monitoring at the site and along an established perimeter have shown "no contaminants of concern leaving a 2-mile area around the derailment site and entering into Pennsylvania," the announcement states.

Air monitoring and sampling are ongoing at about two dozen sites in Pennsylvania near the state line, a testing map from the federal Environmental Protection Agency shows. Hazardous, actionable levels of toxins haven't been detected, according to the EPA.

However, worries persist among the public about potential health risks, short-term and long-term, to humans and animals.

Shapiro said Pennsylvania will work to "hold Norfolk Southern accountable."

"My administration is taking steps to independently verify the safety of Pennsylvanians' water — and will continue to do so in the months to come," Shapiro said. "Our independent testing will ensure the data we are receiving is accurate and timely so we can partner effectively with local communities to provide the information Pennsylvanians need and deserve."

Shapiro and Pennsylvania Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman, joined by Ohio's U.S. senators, separately pressed Norfolk Southern for answers and accountability.

Aside from the municipal authority plant, the closest Community Public Water Supply is PA American Ellwood City, which is 10.5 miles from the site. DEP is also investigating a small public water supply that is located along the Little Beaver River that utilizes spring sources.

The DEP's Bureau of Laboratories will test samples collected independently from Norfolk Southern sampling sites as well as additional samples taken in Pennsylvania within a 2-mile radius of the derailment site in East Palestine, Ohio, the governor announced.

Because of the geology at the derailment site, contaminants could be slow-moving through layers of subsurface sandstone, which is why monitoring will be ongoing for at least six months, according to DEP.

The derailment occurred on Feb. 3 when 38 cars among a 150-car Norfolk Southern train crashed on the eastern edge of East Palestine, about a quarter-mile from Pennsylvania's western border.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause amid reports that an axle failed on one of the cars.

Eleven of the derailed cars contained toxic chemicals including vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, according to federal investigators. The derailed cars plus an additional 12 cars caught fire and chemicals were released into the air, surface soils and surface waters.

The train company led efforts on Feb. 6, now under intense scrutiny, to vent and burn five rail cars containing vinyl chloride to avert a potential explosion. Homes and businesses in both states within a one-mile by two-mile area around the crash site were evacuated.

The fire was extinguished, debris removed, and according to Norfolk Southern, service on the line resumed Feb. 7 after infrastructure was replaced. The evacuation order was lifted on Feb. 8.

Locals worried about health

Some living near the crash site have reported troubled breathing, rashes and a persistent chemical odor. Ohio's Department of Natural Resources estimated 3,500 fish died near the site but reported no evidence of harm to other types of animals connected to chemicals released in the derailment.

Monitoring is more robust and intense immediately near the crash site in East Palestine, Ohio, with air, soil, sediment and water all being monitored and sampled, the EPA map shows.

Affecting Pa. residents

Western Pennsylvania legislators have fielded concerns from constituents anxious about the derailment and subsequent release of toxic chemicals.

The drive to the crash site from Pennsylvania towns like Ellwood City and New Castle is roughly 30 minutes. It's 20 minutes from Bessemer; less than 15 minutes from Enon Valley. All are located in Lawrence County.

Pennsylvania lawmakers were glad to hear the state was going to be keeping an eye on the situation.

"This is a very positive development. I'm thankful the governor took this step for independent testing," state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-Lawrence/Butler, said.

Bernstine and fellow Republican state Rep. Marla Brown, Lawrence County, are requesting the Shapiro administration authorize free testing of private well water and soil, too.

Pennsylvania has directed residents with private wells near the impacted area to contact a private contractor hired by Norfolk Southern at 330-849-3919. The testing, offered through the railroad, is free as are bottled water supplies, according to the commonwealth.

Brown and Republican state Rep. Josh Kail, whose district includes Beaver County on the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, are also demanding answers from Norfolk Southern and the EPA on the crash and subsequent response.

"Discussions are underway in what can be done to make sure Norfolk Southern understands what is expected of them while we try to plan for recovery of the affected area," Brown said.

State Sen. Elder Vogel's district includes the southernmost portion of Lawrence County and the bulk of Beaver County bordering the area near the crash site. He lauded efforts by first responders including those from Beaver and Lawrence counties who responded to the scene and noted that publicly available data shows air quality in his district is safe and still being monitored.

"The federally protected railroad must be held accountable for their liability in this accident. Discussions are already underway in what can be done to make sure Norfolk Southern understands what is expected of them while we try to plan for recovery of the affected area," Vogel said in a prepared statement.

Additional potential resources for impacted residents: U.S. EPA's Pennsylvania hotline, 215-814-2400; Norfolk Southern Assistance Center, 1-800-230-7049; DEP Southwest Regional Office, 412-442-4000.