EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – A through east-west roadway paralleling the Norfolk Southern Fort Wayne Line track here will reopen on a limited basis Monday, Sept. 25. It was closed for 7 months during an environmental cleanup of the derailment and toxic-chemical spill that occurred Feb. 3.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that East Taggart Street, State Route 165, will reopen from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. daily. Lined with residences and small businesses, the two-lane street extends from the downtown to the Pennsylvania-Ohio state line, about a mile away. The portion that was closed lies just one block from the NS line where Train No. 32N derailed, triggering a leak and fire, prompting evacuation of some 2,000 residents.
Thirty-eight cars of the 150-car train left the rails, including 11 tank cars carrying hazardous chemicals. Work to remove contaminated soil and water has kept the street closed to allow trucks, backhoes, and other heavy equipment to move to and from the derailment site.
A controlled burn on Feb. 6 to avoid the potential for an explosion released further toxic contamination into the atmosphere, with residents subsequently reporting medical issues. NS set up a Family Assistance Center just off an open portion of Taggart Street to process claims for medical treatment, temporary relocation, and other aftereffects of the incident.
EPA noted that “this initial reopening will still include the presence of safety signs, lights, flagging personnel, site security, access controls and associated equipment, with continued air monitoring of the project for environmental safety.”
“Although there are no anticipated health risks along East Taggart Street associated with project activities,” an EPA release notes, “the potential for cleanup-related odors may exist. As work proceeds, to ensure worker and community safety, the Unified Command will continue to evaluate site conditions for health and safety considerations. While traffic will be able to proceed through the work areas along East Taggart Street, access into active work areas will remain restricted to ensure public safety.”
The Unified Command is a multi-agency task force led by EPA to process the cleanup. It comprises Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency, the Village of East Palestine, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and NS.
Also on Monday, according to EPA, a two-block stretch of North Pleasant Drive, which intersects the Fort Wayne Line at a protected grade crossing, will close for 10 days. That will “allow for sheet piling installation and the excavation of contaminated soil underneath the road.”
EPA estimates that the street will open 24-hours-a-day on Oct. 23, with periodic traffic stops to permit movement of equipment. The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
Yes, the USA is probably the most charitable (per capita) nation in the world. When disaster strikes just about anywhere in the world we are their to either lend a hand, or send money – individuals and our government. Something, I do not see our enemies doing.
One of the charities nearby said they raised more money and received a record amount of goods for East Palestine. I am not happy about what happened, but I am proud of how people across the nation worked together to help those impacted by the event. There are a lot of people who rip on our country, but its times like these that make me glad I live here.