(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Hazardous Waste Removal

According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 7.4 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total. There is currently a pile of approximately 29,000 tons of excavated soil waiting for removal from East Palestine, versus 6,800 tons that have been removed. 

First Responder / Resident Survey Update

Since Feb. 21, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), in conjunction with federal partners, has been surveying East Palestine residents about any symptoms they are experiencing related to the derailment.

More recently, beginning on March 5, ODH began surveying those who were first responders to the derailment. 

Both surveys are called ACE (after chemical exposure) surveys, but responders are asked several different questions, such as how many shifts they worked, as well as what PPE they may have worn.

Of 198 respondents, the top five symptoms first responders reported were:

Stuffy nose/sinus congestion – 28%

Runny nose – 26%

Increased congestion/phlegm – 22%

Burning nose or throat – 21%

Hoarseness – 15%

The community ACE survey now has been taken by 446 residents. They can take the survey through a healthcare provider or at the ODH Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine.

The top 5 symptoms residents report have remained the same throughout the survey period:

Headache – 76%

Anxiety – 62%

Coughing – 54%

Fatigue/tiredness – 52%

Irritation, pain, or burning of skin – 50%

Health Assessment Clinic

The Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine, operating in partnership with the Columbiana County Health District, is operating on a walk-in basis. Residents should arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure there is enough time to be served.

Clinic hours for this week are:

Monday-Tuesday: Noon to 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Noon to 8 p.m.

Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. For information, call the Columbiana County Health District at 330-424-0272.

Coping with Trauma

According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.

Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns.  In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.

For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.