Shapiro Administration Announces Long-Term Presence In Beaver County To Assist Residents Affected By Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

On March 20, the the Shapiro Administration announced plans to maintain a long-term, physical presence in Darlington Township, Beaver County to continue assisting residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred on February 3 in East Palestine, Ohio.

Thursday Open Houses

Starting on March 23, staff from theDepartments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Health will be onsite at the Darlington Township Building, 3590 Darlington Rd., Darlington, PA 16115 every Thursday from Noon to 5:00 PM to meet with residents. 

Additional staff will be available via video conferencing during that time, as well. 

In addition, state agencies are working with Township staff to ensure they can help residents access state resources related to the derailment.

Staff from Commonwealth agencies and Beaver County also plan to hold open house events Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 PM to offer one-on-one discussion to individuals who attend, as well as provide resources and information.

Department of Health staff are continuing to conduct the Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey among residents and first responders living near the derailment. The surveys help residents identify symptoms, experiences, and concerns about the impact of the train derailment on their lives. 

“Since it opened last month, the Center has been an invaluable community resource for residents in Western Pennsylvania, providing everything from clinical evaluations to behavioral health assistance, and even spiritual guidance,” said Acting Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. “It takes time and proven commitment to build trust, and the Shapiro Administration is pledging to do just that. Residents should be assured we are here to help in any way we can.”

“Under the direction of Governor Shapiro, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has taken direct action to safeguard Pennsylvanians’ soil and water,” said Acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Rich Negrin. “The Department of Environmental Protection worked diligently to conduct independent water sampling throughout the affected area to closely monitor water contamination risks related to the East Palestine train derailment. DEP has been on the scene since the first hours after the derailment, and we will continue to stay in affected communities as long as it takes to assure Pennsylvanians their air, water and soil are safe.”

“Farmers depend on healthy soil and water to produce food that is safe for their families and customers,” said Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “As we wait for DEP and EPA experts to carefully review and validate results of water and soil testing, the Department of Agriculture has been present, listening to area farmers so that we can take the critical step of validating their concerns. The Health Resource Center has been a valuable tool in hearing, and responding to concerns of Pennsylvanians who depend on healthy soil and water for their lives and livelihoods.” 

Residents will continue to have access to expert staff and be able to ask questions about their health, pets, farm animals, and inquire about air, soil, and water quality testing. 

Resource materials will also be available for pickup, including on days when agency staff are not on site.

This extension of operations furthers the Administration’s commitment to helping residents affected by the derailment and assist in their recovery.

Click Here for more background on the Shapiro Administration efforts to assist Pennsylvania residents impacted by the derailment.

Visit the PA Emergency Management Agency Train Derailment Dashboard for more information on available resources.

NewsClips:

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: Western PA Residents Want More Testing- And Attention-- After Train Derailment

-- PA Capital-Star: Norfolk Southern Will Be There ‘As Long As It Takes,’ CEO Tells PA Senate Panel; ‘Unified Command’ Made The Decision To Burn Chemicals Lead By Local Ohio Fire Chief

-- The Center Square: Norfolk Southern CEO Reluctant To Say Who OK’d Chemical Burn After Derailment

-- PennLive: Legislators Frustrated With Norfolk Southern CEO’s Appearance Before PA Senate Committee

-- PA Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee March 20 Hearing Video With Norfolk Southern CEO + Written Testimony

[Posted: March 20, 2023]  PA Environment Digest