DEP Soil and Water Testing Results

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a new interactive mapping tool that shows final sample results from soil and water testing conducted by DEP in the wake of the East Palestine train derailment on February 3, 2023. The map shows key details from the derailment including the derailment location and the two-mile radius that had been evacuated. Final sample results from soil, surface water, private drinking water wells, and public water system wells are available.


Governor Josh Shapiro Announces Pennsylvania Fire Departments and First Responders Have Been Repaid $1 Million by Norfolk Southern So Far.


   

On Tuesday, March 14, I hosted a bipartisan hearing to discuss the impacts of the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred the night of Feb. 3. Thank you to everyone who attended. My colleagues and I will continue working hard to get to the bottom of what transpired.

 

“There is no evidence of air or water contamination in Beaver County resulting from the East Palestine train derailment, state regulators and politicians said this week.” – Beaver County Times (Feb. 17, 2023)

Since the day of the train derailment on Friday, Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio, I have been in constant contact with state and local officials regarding this incident, including Gov. Josh Shapiro; Richard Negrin, acting secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Beaver County Commissioners; U.S. Senator Bob Casey; and officials from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). In addition, I have spoken with representative of the Penn State Extension and the Beaver Lawrence Farm Bureau about crops and livestock and visited businesses on Taggart Road.

Every first responder, local, state and federal official representing Darlington Township has been and will continue to work to address the aftermath of the derailment.

Here is what we know about the train derailment. Gov. Josh Shapiro stated the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be conducting independent water sampling to closely monitor water contaminations risks. In addition, DEP is assisting water suppliers in evaluating their source water at the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority.

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.

Earlier this week, U.S. Congressman Mike Kelly released a statement on the status of the situation. Click here to read more.

Here is some information that may answer your questions: 

•   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Pennsylvania hotline number is 215-814-2400.
•   The Contractor for Norfolk Southern also set up a hotline, staffed by toxicologists, that number is 234-542-6474.
•   Click here for more valuable information.
•   DEP Southwest Regional Office at 412-442-4000 for more information about well testing.
•   Pennsylvania American Water states that it’s community drinking water does not come from the Ohio River. Therefore, the train derailment will not affect the water quality.

Additional information can be found on the following websites:

  EPA Newsletter and Resources
•   Train Derailment Dashboard
•   Visit DEP's website for the latest on air and water monitoring
•   PEMA – Daily Operations Report
•   Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – Ohio Train Derailment
•   Pennsylvania American Water Company – Extended Alert Page
•   EPA Air Testing – Site Profile - East Palestine Train Derailment - EPA OSC Response
•   Gov. Josh Shapiro – Governor Josh Shapiro Announces Pennsylvania Will Conduct Independent Water Sampling Following Ohio Train Derailment - Governor Josh Shapiro
•   East Palestine Ohio Train Derailment Spill Response
•   Ohio Train Derailment
•   Agriculture Secretary Provides Update On Animal Health Concerns Following East Palestine Train Derailment
•   Fact check: False claim that a 'massive death plume' is raining down hydrochloric acid in Ohio
•   Norfolk Southern CEO again promised to do right by East Palestine residents. The community wants to ‘hold him to that’

I will keep you updated when information is made available. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Jim Marshall