Pa. agency says soil and water samples remain safe after Ohio train derailment

A train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio near the Pennsylvania border in February spilled toxic chemicals into a stream, immediately prompting concerns about the area’s soil and water quality.

Initial testing done by federal agencies showed treated municipal water, well water, and soil in the area were safe.

Additional testing from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental (DEP) protection indicates that “chemicals from the derailment have not been detected in either soil or water,” DEP acting secretary Rich Negrin said Monday. “We are thrilled that the results so far do not show signs of contamination in Pennsylvania from this derailment, but we are going to remain vigilant and continue our monitoring to ensure that any contamination from the derailment site does not spread.”

A Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed on Feb. 3, starting a fire that burned for days. The rail company conducted a controlled burn of five tankers that had been hauling vinyl chloride to avoid a potential explosion. It sent a dark plume of smoke over the East Palestine area.

Negrin said the state understands that many Pennsylvania residents, particularly in Beaver County near the derailment site, still have ongoing environmental concerns.

The DEP also released a new interactive mapping tool on Monday. The map showcases final sample results from DEP testing that was conducted following the East Palestine train derailment.

The map includes a time-lapse feature to show where and when samples were collected. The DEP will test for additional chemicals in future rounds of sampling, and additional sample locations and dates will be added to the map as they are available, according to a release.

Air quality has also been a concern for residents, considering the large plume caused by the controlled burn. State air quality monitors did not find any harmful pollutant levels entering Pennsylvania as a result of the derailment or the controlled burn.

Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University found levels of air pollution from most chemicals measured to be of low or minimal risk, but discovered acrolein was detected at levels of “potential concern” following the derailment.