EAST PALESTINE, OHIO – August 15, 2024 –The Village of East Palestine responded to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed consent decree in the ongoing case against Norfolk Southern Railway Company. The Village submitted a formal comment letter on July 31, 2024, to the DOJ, highlighting significant concerns and advocating for critical adjustments to ensure the health and safety of its residents are fully protected.
“Since the tragic derailment in 2023, our community has faced unprecedented challenges,” said Chad M. Edwards, Village Manager of East Palestine. “We have consistently prioritized the well-being of our residents, and this response to the DOJ’s proposed decree is a continuation of that commitment.”
The Village’s comment letter underscores several areas where the proposed consent decree falls short in addressing the long-term needs of the community:
- Inadequate Funding for Health Services: The Village is deeply concerned that the $25 million allocated for the Community Health Program is insufficient to cover the necessary medical monitoring and mental health services over the 15-year period. East Palestine officials are urging for a significant increase in funding to ensure that all residents receive the care they need.
- Essential Medical Testing: The Village has called for the inclusion of critical tests, such as combined blood count and urinalysis, which are vital for detecting latent health issues. These tests have been standard in medical monitoring since the derailment and are crucial for early detection of conditions related to toxin exposure.
- Provision for Medical Treatment: The Village strongly opposes the lack of designated funding for medical treatments. Without such provisions, residents, businesses, and others could be forced to bear the financial burden of derailment-related health issues, potentially leading to untreated conditions or increased hardship for the community.
- Data Management and Centralization: The Village advocates for the establishment of a centralized system for data management and sharing between medical facilities. This is essential to identify health trends over time and ensure comprehensive care for residents and early detection of any emerging conditions.
- Groundwater Monitoring and Accountability: The Village has raised concerns about the insufficient details in the decree regarding groundwater monitoring. It is urging for clearer accountability measures that ensure Norfolk Southern is fully responsible in the event that any future contamination is discovered.
“We believe these adjustments are essential for safeguarding our community’s future,” added Edwards. “Our residents deserve a settlement that truly addresses the full scope of the impact from the derailment. We are hopeful that the DOJ will consider our comments and work with us to ensure a just resolution.”
The Village of East Palestine remains committed to transparency and advocacy, ensuring that the voices of its residents are heard and that their health, safety, and well-being are protected. For more information and to view the full comment letter submitted to the DOJ, please visit epohio.org/news or contact the Village office.
About the Village of East Palestine
Founded in 1875, the Village of East Palestine is a close-knit community known for its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to progress. With a population of just under 5,000 residents, the Village of East Palestine offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences, making it an ideal place to live, work, and visit. For more information, go to epohio.org.