DEP Reports No Signs Of Groundwater Contamination With First Results From Water Sampling Near Ohio/PA Train Derailment Site

On March 10, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the first round of water sampling results from private water wells show no signs of groundwater contamination in Pennsylvania. 

“Under Governor Shapiro’s direction, the Department of Environmental Protection has been leading our own independent testing to determine the impacts of the train derailment, and keep Pennsylvanians informed and safe,” said Rich Negrin, Acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. “Today’s negative results are an encouraging sign for Pennsylvania residents. DEP will continue collecting samples over the next several months and the Commonwealth will continue to lead the way so that Pennsylvanians are aware of and protected from any threats to their safety and resources that may arise.”

DEP analyzed the water samples collected from private drinking water wells for vinyl chloride, ethanol, and glycol, which are chemicals of concern and were on the train cars and could have potentially contaminated groundwater, a drinking water source. 

The preliminary results did not detect the presence of any of the chemicals of concern. 

DEP is in the process of developing a method to share water sampling data publicly.

DEP has also begun collecting soil samples from Pennsylvania properties within a 2-mile radius of the derailment site to determine any impacts from soot and ash to agricultural properties from the derailment and the controlled burn of train cars containing vinyl chloride. 

Properties were selected for sampling based on reported ash and other materials deposited from the derailment and fire. These samples will be used to help inform farmers and residents about any possible risks ahead of the upcoming planting season. 

More information on the Pennsylvania response to the train derailment can be found on the Train Derailment Dashboard.  

Related Articles: 

-- Norfolk Southern CEO To Appear March 20 Before PA Senate Committee To Answer Questions About Ohio/PA Train Derailment; Committee Subpoenas Documents [PaEN]

-- Gov. Shapiro Announces Agreement With Norfolk Southern To Pay $7.38 Million In Initial Response Costs, Costs To Businesses, Residents From Train Derailment  [PaEN] 

-- Dept. Of Health Extends Operation Of Health Resource Center In Beaver County For PA Residents Impacted By Ohio/PA Train Derailment  [PaEN] 

-- Moms Clean Air Force: Impacted Parents From Ohio, PA Will Raise Concerns About Chemical Pollution From The Train Derailment, Petrochemical Industry In The Ohio Valley During U.S. Senate Hearing Today  [PaEN] 

-- Sen. Bob Casey Testifies Before U.S. Senate Committee On Ohio/PA Train Derailment [PaEN]

-- Ohio/PA Train Derailment, Pipeline Explosions, Uncontrolled Releases Put Spotlight On Public Health, Safety Threats Posed By Petrochemical, Natural Gas Industrial And Pipeline Infrastructure In PA  [PaEN] 

[Posted: March 10, 2023]  PA Environment Digest