As health concerns grow, an Ohio train derailment prompts a water utility across state lines to take precautions.

Following the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a West Virginia water utility is improving its treatment process.

The Ohio train derailment that emitted boiling gas, prompting officials to burn vinyl chloride in five tanker cars in an attempt to dispose of the toxic chemical in a controlled setting, has prompted a water utility as far away as West Virginia to take extra precautions as health concerns mount.

West Virginia American Water announced on Sunday that it was improving its water treatment process as a precaution following the derailment of a train carrying chemicals, which caused a toxic plume in East Palestine, Ohio, near the Pennsylvania border. The water utility will also construct a secondary intake on the Guyandotte River in case an alternate water source is required.

The utility stated that raw water at its Ohio River intake has not changed.

“Our customers’ health and safety are a priority, and there are currently no drinking water advisories in effect,” the company said in a statement.

THE BODYCAM FOOTAGE OF A NEWSNATION REPORTER’S OHIO ARREST HAS BEEN RELEASED.

On February 6, 2023, a black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains.

East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway told WFMJ on Sunday that all burning chemicals had been extinguished, but a “massive clean up project” with tanker trucks and portable tanks was still underway. Officials from the United States and Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the situation on a daily basis, he said.

“The reason for the lack of a press conference is that the process is currently slow. We’re attempting to be honest with people “Conaway explained. “I believe it will take a long time to recover from this.”

“It worries me, but citizens must be aware as well. We have a completely enclosed water system. As a result, the water system in the actual village of East Palestine is completely safe “said the mayor. “We’re getting the same numbers as we did two Thursdays ago, before the accident. Our well field is located far west of the accident and the creek where the water flows.”

On February 3, about 50 cars, including ten carrying hazardous materials, derailed in the Ohio village of East Palestine. No one was hurt in the derailment, which was caused by a broken axle, according to investigators.

On Feb. 9, 2023, a drone photo shows the continued cleanup efforts of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.

Authorities decided three days after the accident to release and burn vinyl chloride inside five tanker cars, releasing hydrogen chloride and the toxic gas phosgene into the air. The manoeuvre was intended to dispose of highly flammable, toxic chemicals in a controlled environment, and it resulted in a dark plume of smoke.

Environmental regulators have been monitoring the air and water in surrounding communities and have determined that the air quality is safe and that drinking water supplies are unaffected. However, some residents have reported headaches and nausea since the derailment.

According to WKBN, the EPA sent a letter to rail operator Norfolk Southern stating that three other chemicals – ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene – were also found in the rail cars that were derailed, breached, and/or caught fire.

On February 4, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, is seen on fire around midday.

According to the outlet, ethylhexyl acrylate is a carcinogen that can cause burning and irritation in the skin and eyes when in contact. Inhaling the chemical can cause nose and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Meanwhile, inhaling isobutylene can cause dizziness and drowsiness.

A town hall meeting is planned for Wednesday at East Palestine High School’s auditorium to address residents’ concerns.

In an interview with News Nation, environmental activist Erin Brockovich stated that community members should document what is happening to their own health and record any wildlife or fish dying. A federal lawsuit filed Thursday by two Pennsylvania residents demands that Norfolk Southern pay for medical screenings and related care for anyone living within a 30-mile radius of the derailment in order to determine who was harmed by toxic substances released after the derailment.