The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that chemicals released from the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month have been found in the Ohio River, one of the largest rivers in the United States.
In a letter sent on Feb. 10, the EPA said (pdf) that there were substances from the train that were now “observed and detected in samples from Sulphur Run, Leslie Run, Bull Creek, North Fork Little Beaver Creek, Little Beaver Creek, and the Ohio River.” Meanwhile, “materials related to the incident were observed entering storm drains,” the letter stated.
A train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed near East Palestine on Feb. 3. Authorities have confirmed a range of toxic and highly flammable chemicals were being carried, including vinyl chloride, phosgene, and hydrogen chloride. During a “controlled release” and burn of materials on the train, officials had to issue a temporary evacuation order of East Palestine….