NTSB Chair: East Palestine Chemical Burn Was Unnecessary
Revelations surrounding the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, continue to point out systemic failures in the environmental disaster’s management. On Wednesday, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy told a Senate committee that the controlled burn of toxic chemicals following the derailment was not essential and could have been avoided.
Local authorities carried out a controlled burn of hazardous chemicals after the derailment after consulting directly with Norfolk Southern about managing the emergency. The railroad said at the time that was the only available alternative and that it believed the action was absolutely necessary to prevent an uncontrolled explosion.
Controlled burn of toxic chemicals after 2023 Ohio train derailment wasn't necessary, NTSB https://t.co/x5P1kCUVt6 via @JustTheNews
— Nancy Skies🍊 (@nancyskies) March 7, 2024
However, Homendy’s testimony tells a different story. She confirmed that the temperatures within the derailed cars had stabilized well before the decision to conduct the burn was made. Experts from Oxy Vinyls, the manufacturer of the vinyl chloride being transported, were on-site, advising that a vent-and-burn approach was unnecessary. Yet, this critical input was overlooked or disregarded in the final decision-making process, leading to questions about the flow of information and the pressures influencing these urgent choices.
The controlled burn, intended as a safety measure, led to the release of toxic chemicals into the environment, causing widespread fear and health concerns among East Palestine residents. The long-term effects of this exposure remain unclear, and the community’s trust in local and corporate decision-makers has been understandably shaken.
Norfolk Southern responded by defending its decision at the time that a controlled burn was necessary to prevent a more significant catastrophe. That defense is sharply contrasted by the information and testimony provided by the NTSB and other experts.
Adding to the controversy are the dynamics within Norfolk Southern itself. The company has been dealing with significant internal challenges, including leadership disputes and safety concerns. The fallout of the incident in East Palestine has been further complicated by another recent derailment in Pennsylvania. Environmental activists and investors are growing more concerned with the railroad’s safety protocols and financial performance.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) articulated the frustration and concern of his constituents during the Senate hearing. While Vance refrained from directly criticizing local leaders, he pointedly criticized the inadequacy of the information provided to those on the ground. His remarks underscore the broader implications of the incident, suggesting that the community’s needs may have been sidelined in favor of expedited freight movement or other operational priorities.
The NTSB’s final report, expected in June, is highly anticipated, as it promises to provide further clarity and perhaps the basis for necessary reforms in railroad safety and emergency response practices. But for the residents of East Palestine, the actual cost of this incident, both physical and emotional, remains immeasurable.