A group of lawmakers recently sent a letter to EPA administrator Michael Regan that shed light on what farmers in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio, may still be dealing with.
Lawmakers are seeking transparency about the agency’s cleanup efforts after early February’s train derailment and contained explosion. But it was a portion of their letter that gave us clues about the impacts residents and livestock are still suffering.
“They have been told that their environment is safe, while also being instructed to consume only bottled water sources. The EPA is now reporting that while the water supply in East Palestine is not contaminated, the water in nearby Sulfur Run is grossly contaminated. Sulfur Run is connected to several other creeks in the area that all empty into the Ohio River. As a response, a containment area has been established to isolate any contaminated water. Despite these efforts and continued testing by the EPA, residents report a consistent pungent odor as well as concerning symptoms for both the area’s residents and their livestock. Burning sensations in the mouth, lips, and tongue as well as tongue swelling, runny nose, and watery eyes have been among the symptoms reported.”
Members of the House Science, Space and Technology committee gave EPA until April 6 to address their concerns.
Read the full letter here.
