DEER PARK (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Toxic wastewater used to extinguish a fire in the aftermath of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio is on its way to a Houston suburb for disposal.
The news comes over two weeks after the Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed on February 3.
According to a recently released report by the National Transportation Safety Board, an overheated axle may have caused the derailment. The derailed cars were exposed to fire and released the hazardous chemicals into the air.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says she just learned that the water started arriving in Deer Park last week.
“I know that our community was taken aback by the news and I don’t want to be sitting on information that is relevant to this very public very concerning disaster,” she said.
Officials have spoken with Texas Molecular, the waste disposal company receiving the water, several officials at the Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and other experts.
Hidalgo said Texas Molecular has assured her they can handle the disposal properly.
“The company has assured us that they’re storing the firefighter water quote in a way that removes the risk to water, groundwater, air emissions and protects public health…that the water is well within their permits, capabilities and experience in managing waters like these safely and in compliance,” she said.
The judge added that they’re still concerned for residents and the workers about any negative health reactions that residents may experience.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation are pushing for Norfolk Southern to fulfill its promises to clean up the disaster and help the town to recover.
The NTSB investigation into the derailment continues.
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