(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Sulphur Run
Because surface water sampling data continues to show favorable results, most of the equipment used for the stream treatment (e.g. large water pumps) was removed this week from areas along the stream. Sediment cleaning in Sulphur Run also has resulted in significant improvement in water quality and reduction of contaminants. Fish have been seen returning to areas of Sulphur Run that previously showed no signs of aquatic life in the days that followed the derailment. Efforts to further evaluate and address sediments in Sulphur Run are ongoing.
Leslie Run Sediment Cleaning
Plans are ongoing to begin sediment cleaning in areas of Leslie Run from East Palestine down to Bull Creek. Work is expected to start the week of May 8th. The sediment cleaning will follow a detailed survey of the area by aquatic scientists to ensure the cleaning work will not cause greater harm to the ecosystem. The cleaning of sediment in Leslie Run will be conducted under the direct oversight of those scientists.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 14.8 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total. There is currently a pile of approximately 8,700 tons of excavated soil waiting for removal from East Palestine, versus 37,300 tons that have been removed.