No. 38: The biggest environmental disaster in U.S. history?!
Because trains were meant to stay on tracks and vinly chloride (and plastic in general) sucks
Hi, sorry for the later upload!
Welcome back to a more depressing issue, due to our current events. The train derailment will represent the entirety of this issue, because it’s worthy of our attention, although I’m sure you’ve already heard at least some.
The train derailment disaster
There’s a lot to unpack…
On February 3, a train was carrying vinyl chloride (a carcinogen used for making PVC plastic), through East Palestine, Ohio when it caught fire, leading to its derailment and contamination. This led to a larger chemical fire, polluting the air. Not to mention, the chemicals spilled into the waterways, which have flowed into the Ohio River.
The EPA also said it has collected and stored nearly one million gallons of water in containers. Officials said the plume of initial contamination did flow to the Ohio River, but since that river is very large, “it’s a water body that’s able to dilute the pollutants pretty quickly,” said Tiffany Kavalec, Chief of the Division of Surface Water at the Ohio EPA.
(CNN)
This contamination has rapidly shown effects in the local fluviatile animal populations, with 3,500 dead fish found in local water ways to date. (CBS) As for humans, the EPA still advises residents drink only bottled water. (CNN)
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, trains have been deemed the safest method for carrying hazardous materials, like chemicals, across the country. (CNN) But, one could say that only applied before 2017, before the train braking mechanism policy was appealed under the Trump administration, a policy that made brake mechanism upkeep on trains carrying hazardous materials mandatory. (The Hill) Because why would we want safety?!
What can you do?
If you’re an Ohio resident, urge Gov. DeWine to declare this a state of emergency. (Via petition)
Share the news with others.
Hold the train company, Norfolk Southern, accountable. (Via petition)
Further reading:
The Myth of Safe Plastics Persists, Despite Risk of Disasters Like East Palestine (The Intercept)
White House speaks on toxic train derailment in Ohio (PBS)
Wrap-up
I will likely be covering more news about this as it comes, because this mess is far from over. Share your thoughts below!
It is apparent that regulations are needed regarding rail transport of dangerous chemicals; sad that the MAGA GOP want to regulate such idiocy as contraception belittling women’s health care and choices, and books that children and adults read but fail miserably to do the greater task of protecting the public from the profiteers in the Rail Industry. Does anyone else see gross INCONSISTENCY in these applications of both state and national governments?