EPA inspectors to ensure safe pumping of toxic sewage following Ohio train derailment, congressman says

DEER PARK, Texas “We continue to monitor the situation with the transport of toxic waste from the train derailment in Ohio.

KPRC 2 has learned that there will be additional supervision of water shipments.

According to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inspectors will now be on the Deer Park site to make sure the toxic wastewater is handled with care.

As we first reported, these wastewater supplies have resumed at the Deer Park site. KPRC 2 spoke to Jackson-Lee late Tuesday evening. She advised us that EPA inspectors will now be monitoring the Deer Park facility and will also monitor the transport of wastewater, whether it is transported by road or rail.

“They will be there. And remember, this means they will also be able to monitor and receive information from Norfolk Southern about passing traffic, do you know where the train stopped? How did freight transport begin? Are the trains protected? You know we’re driving on tracks that don’t lead to another derailment? Are the trucks certified and ready to carry this transport?” Jackson-Lee said.

The congressman says other states are also being assessed and designated as potential sites, which will reduce the amount that goes to Texas. She reiterated that ongoing dialogue and negotiations with the EPA will continue.

“The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes that this is both a national problem and a national hazardous waste disaster. This is what influenced the people of East Palestine. But it has reached places like Michigan and now Texas. Through my engagement with the Environmental Protection Agency, we have been able to address some of the issues our community is facing, some of the safety issues regarding toxic waste,” Jackson-Lee said.

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