Kelly seeks solutions for constituents impacted by Ohio train derailment

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) remains concerned about the release of hazardous materials into the air, water, and soil following the Feb. 3 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and last week asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expand the one-mile radius around the disaster site to allow for more Pennsylvanians to receive federal testing for toxic chemicals. 

“I am appreciative of the air and water monitoring that has been conducted over the past few weeks, but there must be further monitoring for all impacted communities,” Rep. Kelly wrote in a March 1 letter sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. 

The congressman wrote that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on Feb. 3 estimated that over 43,000 animals were killed within a five-mile radius in the immediate aftermath of the Norfolk Southern train derailment. The new data, he wrote, demonstrates the need for additional testing from both the EPA and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

Rep. Kelly wrote that during a Feb. 18 EPA briefing, the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission said it would be conducting water testing for 40 miles along the Ohio River.  

“If there is a concern to test the Ohio River for 40 miles away from the derailment, then families who reside less than five miles away should have full and free access to private well water testing,” he wrote, noting that “Lawrence County, [Pa.], located in my district, is three miles away from the crash site.”

These residents also should have access to free extensive soil testing as farmers prepare to grow food that feeds the region and the nation, he wrote.

“One of the most frequent concerns that I have heard from my constituents is the potential agricultural impacts in the soil,” he wrote. “As producers gear up for the growing season, there is a growing call for soil testing. Farmers, and consumers, have the right to know that this food is grown safely.” 

The congressman asked Regan to answer several questions by March 15, including whether the EPA has considered expanding air monitoring and water quality testing outside of the one-mile radius.

He also attended a Feb. 24 roundtable meeting at which local Lawrence County elected officials and leaders expressed concerns about the lack of quality testing and monitoring in the county and in western Pennsylvania. Attendees also told Rep. Kelly that the state and federal government are to blame for the lack of communication.

The congressman told Lawrence County residents that if they have their air and water tested by the EPA to save the receipts because they shouldn’t have to pay for it nor sign a waiver, and he urged people to keep politics out of future discussions. 

“Let’s not make it about whether it’s a red issue or a blue issue,” he said. “Let’s make sure it’s a red, white and blue issue.”