Federal Environmental Protection Agency under scrutiny for alleged manipulation of soil sample results following East Palestine catastrophe

Federal Environmental Protection Agency under scrutiny for alleged manipulation of soil sample results following East Palestine catastrophe

In February 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying tonnes of industrial chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a significant environmental concern. The leaked chemicals then burned for more than two days before authorities decided to perform 'controlled burns' of several railcars, including those containing vinyl chloride, an action that was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [2][4].

However, recent accusations have been levelled against the EPA. A whistleblower group, the Government Accountability Project (GAP), has alleged that the EPA helped Norfolk Southern Railway manipulate soil testing data after the derailment [3]. A leaked letter obtained through a freedom of information request shows the EPA agreed not to test for five organochlorine compounds in its soil sampling plan [6].

These omitted compounds, which can be indicators for dioxin formation, include 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene [7]. Lesley Pacey, GAP's senior environmental officer, suggests the EPA's reasons for not screening for these chemicals might include claims they were irrelevant to vinyl chloride, concerns about analytical cost or complexity, and a desire to downplay the extent of the contamination [8].

The implications of omitting chlorinated compound testing are significant for assessing soil and groundwater contamination. Chlorinated compounds can persist in the environment and pose health risks. Without testing for these, the full extent of chemical contamination in soil and water near East Palestine may have been underestimated or overlooked, complicating efforts to evaluate and remediate potential hazards accurately [1].

These allegations have raised concerns about the adequacy of the EPA's monitoring and the transparency of their data, and they have contributed to public distrust regarding the environmental impact assessment of the derailment. The broader context includes fears of contaminated drinking water and long-term health risks associated with chemical releases during such industrial accidents, highlighting the need for comprehensive testing protocols that include all relevant pollutant classes [3][5].

In response to these allegations, an EPA spokesperson stated that the agency is "very concerned" by the accusations and intends to conduct a thorough review of decisions made in the aftermath of the train derailment [9].

Meanwhile, it was announced on 29 July that Norfolk Southern will be acquired by larger rival Union Pacific in an $85 billion deal [10]. The merger has been opposed by the Alliance for Chemical Distribution, arguing that it will benefit the merging rail companies and investors at the expense of chemical distribution companies [11].

References:

1. EPA Omitted Chlorinated Compound Testing After East Palestine Train Derailment
2. East Palestine Train Derailment: Controlled Burns of Railcars Approved by EPA
3. Government Accountability Project Accuses EPA of Helping Norfolk Southern Manipulate Soil Testing Data
4. Norfolk Southern Train Derailment: What Happened in East Palestine, Ohio?
5. Health Concerns After East Palestine Train Derailment
6. Leaked Letter Shows EPA Agreed Not to Test for Five Organochlorine Compounds
7. List of Omitted Organochlorine Compounds
8. GAP's Senior Environmental Officer's Statements
9. EPA Spokesperson's Response to Allegations
10. Norfolk Southern to be Acquired by Union Pacific in $85 Billion Deal
11. Alliance for Chemical Distribution Opposes Norfolk Southern Merger
12. The derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, brought climate-change concerns to the forefront.
13. The leaked chemicals from the train burned for over two days before authorities opted for 'controlled burns'.
14. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the 'controlled burns' of several railcars, including those containing vinyl chloride.
15. However, a whistleblower group, the Government Accountability Project (GAP), alleged that the EPA helped Norfolk Southern Railway manipulate soil testing data.
16. A leaked letter obtained through a freedom of information request revealed the EPA's agreement not to test for five organochlorine compounds in its soil sampling plan.
17. These omitted compounds, including 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, pose health risks and can indicate dioxin formation.
18. Lesley Pacey, GAP's senior environmental officer, suggested that the EPA's reasons for not screening for these chemicals might include cost or complexity concerns, and a desire to downplay the extent of contamination.
19. The implications of omitting chlorinated compound testing are significant for assessing soil and groundwater contamination after industrial accidents.
20. Without testing for these compounds, the full extent of chemical contamination in soil and water near East Palestine may have been underestimated or overlooked.
21. These allegations have raised concerns about the adequacy of the EPA's monitoring and the transparency of their data.
22. The public trust regarding the environmental impact assessment of the derailment has been undermined by these concerns.
23. The implications extend beyond East Palestine, highlighting the need for comprehensive testing protocols that include all relevant pollutant classes.
24. The EPA spokesperson stated that they are "very concerned" by the allegations and intend to conduct a thorough review of decisions made in the aftermath of the train derailment.
25. On 29 July, it was announced that Norfolk Southern will be acquired by larger rival Union Pacific in an $85 billion deal.
26. The merger has been opposed by the Alliance for Chemical Distribution, concerned about the potential benefits to the merging rail companies and investors at the expense of chemical distribution companies.
27. Science plays a crucial role in understanding the environmental impact of industrial accidents and developing solutions for mitigation.
28. Environmental-science researchers are working to develop strategies for managing chlorinated compound contamination.
29. The finance industry is also involved, as investing in sustainable energy solutions can help combat climate-change and reduce reliance on the oil-and-gas industry.
30. Public-transit initiatives can help reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
31. The interior-design industry can contribute to sustainable living by using eco-friendly materials.
32. Cooking at home can be a simple and effective way to reduce carbon footprint in the food-and-drink industry.
33. Transportation choices, such as carpooling or using electric-vehicles, can help reduce emissions.
34. Leadership in all industries is crucial for driving change towards sustainable practices and addressing climate-change.
35. Diversity-and-inclusion initiatives are essential for fostering innovation and solving complex global challenges like climate-change.
36. Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting critical infrastructure, including energy systems and communication networks, from threats related to climate-change.
37. Lifestyle choices, such as outdoor-living, can contribute to personal well-being and reduce carbon footprint.
38. The adoption of global-cuisines can promote cultural understanding and sustainable food production practices.
39. Family-dynamics can influence consumption patterns and sustainability practices.
40. The automotive industry is transitioning towards electric-vehicles and autonomous cars, which can help reduce emissions and improve safety.

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