DeWine urges EPA, Norfolk Southern to find sites that will accept contaminated waste from the derailment site

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday that he will “continue to raise hell” over the tons of contaminated soil and sewage that continue to sit near the site of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

About 3,100 tons of contaminated soil have been removed from the site so far, but about 26,000 tons remain, according to the governor’s office.

Both foreign companies federally authorized to accept hazardous waste and elected officials in these states have blocked or objected to shipments of hazardous waste from East Palestine.

Among the latest is Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who tweeted on Sunday that he had “blocked” the shipment of waste to Oklahoma from East Palestine.

“I learned late yesterday that a shipment of toxic waste from the East Palestine, OH derailment is arriving in Oklahoma,” he tweeted Sunday. “There are too many unanswered questions and ultimately I made the decision that this is not in the best interest of the people of Oklahoma. As of yesterday evening, this cargo was blocked.”

Stitt’s office did not respond to a phone call and email seeking comment or an explanation as to why he tried to block the shipment.

10 The investigation found that the state environmental website lists at least 8 facilities that are authorized to accept types of commercial hazardous waste.

On February 28, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb tweeted that he was unhappy with the lack of communication with the US Environmental Protection Agency and that he objects to the decision to send hazardous waste to Indiana.

However, he tweeted last week that results from third-party labs showed the hazardous waste had been tested and did not show harmful levels of dioxins.

A fire and spill of hazardous chemicals at the derailment site raised concerns among residents about long-term environmental and health impacts.

DeWine said he urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is overseeing the cleanup of the facility after the February train derailment, and Norfolk Southern to find additional facilities willing to accept the debris left behind by the derailment.

“Well, what’s happened now is that states are looking at this and saying we don’t want what’s happening out of East Palestine. The irony is that in these states, they take things every day with far more problems. It will work, it is what must work. We cannot keep it in East Palestine.

When asked what he meant it would do and what assurances could be given to the people there, Governor DeWine said:

“I can assure you just this: I’m going to keep talking about this until we find places that are willing to take this product. We sourced this product in the state of Ohio – it is no worse and a cleaner product than what other companies in those states are already using. This is a great irony. Which makes absolutely no sense,” DeWine said.

A spokesperson for Norfolk Southern told 10 Investigates Monday: “On behalf of the people of East Palestine, we are doing everything we can to quickly and safely obtain the necessary permits to transport the waste to facilities that are licensed and equipped to receive it.”

A spokesperson did not respond to a follow-up email asking for a timeline or whether specific sites had been identified.

10 The investigation also turned to the US EPA. We have not received a response.

Governor DeWine’s office said he plans to return to East Palestine on Friday.

Officials warn about impersonators

Governor DeWine’s office also issued this warning on Monday:

Local authorities issued an alert today about individuals going door-to-door in East Palestine posing as CDC and Norfolk Southern officials. Neither the CDC nor Norfolk Southern currently has personnel conducting door-to-door operations. Some steps you can take to protect yourself and your community:

• Check their identity: Ask for ID and verify it before contacting anyone who comes to your home unannounced.
• Do not share personal information: Never give out personal information, such as a social security number or financial information.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect that someone is impersonating a CDC or Norfolk Southern employee, notify your local authorities immediately.
• Spread the word: Share the alert with your friends, family and neighbors so they can be aware of the potential threat and take the necessary precautions.

The East Palestine Police Department can be reached at (330) 426-4341.