A worker delivers cases of water for distribution to skeptical residents on Friday in East Palestine, Ohio, after a toxic freight train derailment two weeks ago. [Photo/Agencies]
WASHINGTON — US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has urged freight rail operator Norfolk Southern to "demonstrate unequivocal support for the people" of East Palestine, Ohio, and surrounding areas after a fiery train derailment released hazardous chemicals and sparked deep concerns for residents' health.
"Norfolk Southern must live up to its commitment to make residents whole — and must also live up to its obligation to do whatever it takes to stop putting communities such as East Palestine at risk," Buttigieg wrote Sunday in an open letter to the company's CEO, Alan Shaw.
"This is the right time for Norfolk Southern to take a leadership position within the rail industry, shifting to a posture that focuses on supporting, not thwarting, efforts to raise the standard of US rail safety regulation."
The letter comes after the White House defended on Friday its response to a toxic freight train derailment in Ohio on Feb 3.The incident saw toxic chemicals spill or burn off, resulting in evacuations and fears of widespread contamination.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Friday that the chemicals that spilled into the Ohio River are no longer a risk, even as people in the community say they have constant headaches and irritated eyes. The state plans to open a medical clinic in the village of 4,700 to analyze their symptoms, despite repeated statements that air and water testing has shown no signs of contaminants.
Peter DeCarlo, a professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University, told ABC News on Sunday that more testing is needed to determine which chemicals are present.
"We know it started as vinyl chloride, but as soon as you burn that all bets are off. You have a lot of chemical byproducts that can happen from a combustion process like that," DeCarlo said. Asked if he would move back to East Palestine if he were living there, he said: "I have two little boys. I would not."
'Deeply sorry'
In a statement at the weekend, Shaw said he had visited East Palestine on Saturday to meet with local leaders, first responders, and a group of Norfolk Southern employees.
"In every conversation today, I shared how deeply sorry I am this happened to their home," Shaw said. Norfolk Southern has created a website for updates, NSMaking-ItRight.com.
Buttigieg's letter on Sunday was seen as a stern warning to the Atlanta-based rail operator. It said: "It is imperative that your company be unambiguous and forthright in its commitment to take care of the residents — now and in the future."
