In a massive development, US President Joe Biden has finally came into action after the Ohio toxic train derailment caused panic in the region and left locals with their pets sick. As per reports, with increasing panic among the people of Ohio and on social media, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a sweeping enforcement action against Norfolk Southern on Tuesday, compelling the rail company to conduct and pay for cleanup actions associated with the February 3 derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio. Not only this, if Norfolk Southern fails to complete any of the actions ordered by the EPA, the agency will “immediately” conduct the necessary work and then seek to compel Norfolk Southern to pay triple the cost. The order will require the company to identify and clean contaminated soil and water; pay any EPA costs, including reimbursing the agency for cleaning services that it will offer to residents and businesses; and participate in public meetings at EPA’s request and post information on-line.
It is pertinent to mention here that the rail company is already facing multiple class-action suits from members of the East Palestine community over the incident, which forced residents within roughly a mile radius to evacuate their homes. Furthermore, the Ohio state attorney general’s office has also indicated it plans to take legal action against Norfolk Southern.
For those who are unaware, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the midwestern town on 3rd February 2023 releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Ever since then, residents have reported headaches, nausea, burning eyes, and sore throats. After the toxic train derailment, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources informed that about 3,500 fish died off in the nearby creeks after the accident. US media quoted locals saying that they reported sick pets and dying chickens. Not only this, others have spoken of experiencing psychological trauma.
As per reports, among the chemicals released in the incident was vinyl chloride, a colourless, hazardous gas that is used to make PVC plastic and vinyl products. It is also a known carcinogen. Acute exposure is linked to dizziness, drowsiness and headaches, while prolonged exposure can cause liver damage and a rare form of liver cancer. The action of EPA comes after the Biden administration came under the scanner of social media. Interestingly, representatives from the train company Norfolk Southern did not attend a town hall meeting last week, where they had been scheduled to answer residents' questions. The company said it was concerned for the safety of its representatives. Congressman Bill Johnson faced the seething crowd. He said, "If you've got ailments and conditions that you did not have before 3 February, go to your doctor."
'America’s Chernobyl': Ohio toxic train derailment leaves people sick & 3500 fish dead