Norfolk Southern's Profits Over Safety: Putting Lives at Risk

 The recent derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, has highlighted the dangerous consequences of putting profits over safety. The train was carrying vinyl chloride, a toxic gas that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if inhaled. As a result, hundreds of residents had to be evacuated, and a controlled burn of the toxic chemicals was necessary. Sadly, this incident is not an isolated case.

In recent years, Norfolk Southern has reported record profits, and the company's CEO, Alan H. Shaw, has boasted about the company's service being "at the best it's been in more than two years." Yet, during this same time, the rate of accidents on Norfolk Southern's railway has increased, and safety experts say a focus on financial returns may be partly to blame for these incidents.

While railway companies have become much more profitable, accidents still regularly occur on the 140,000 miles of track that make up their networks. The rate of accidents on Norfolk Southern's railway has worsened as executives at the company and other railroads have been telling investors on Wall Street that they can bolster their profit margins by keeping a lid on costs. At the same time, railway companies have lobbied against new rules aimed at making trains safer.

Norfolk Southern, which earned more than $3 billion last year, invested close to $2 billion in its railways and operations, up a third from 2021. But over the past five years, it paid shareholders nearly $18 billion through stock buybacks and dividends, twice as much as the amount it invested in its railways and operations. Other large railways have paid out billions to their shareholders, too, and their shares have done better than the wider stock market over the last decade.

Despite the dangers that this company and others pose to the public, the government has failed to hold them accountable. For years, the railroads have fought all kinds of basic safety regulations based on an argument that it simply costs too much to protect our lives, health, and our air and water. Instead of prioritizing safety, the government has allowed corporations to buy themselves out of their responsibilities to the American people.

These incidents demonstrate that the railway industry must take responsibility for the safety of the public and its workers. The government must also hold these companies accountable and put safety over profits. It is not acceptable to put the lives and well-being of the public at risk for the sake of corporate profits.

In conclusion, it is time for Norfolk Southern and other railway companies to prioritize safety and make meaningful investments in their railways and operations. It is also time for the government to hold these companies accountable and put the safety of the public first. The health and safety of our communities should not be a secondary concern to corporate profits.

Is Government Failing Us in Times of Catastrophe? The Ohio Train Derailment Story

 The small town of East Palestine, Ohio has been hit hard by the recent train derailment and chemical spill that occurred just meters from local businesses and homes. The incident, which happened on February 3, has left the town reeling and residents questioning whether the government is doing enough to keep them safe.

The impact of the derailment has been felt in a multitude of ways. Local businesses have lost customers and some have even shut down, while residents have been advised to drink bottled water due to contamination in the Ohio River. The lingering stench of chemicals and sulfur in the air has also left many residents worried about the long-term impact on their health.

Despite reassurances from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state officials, many residents remain skeptical and mistrustful of the government's response. Some feel that the train company responsible for the derailment, Norfolk Southern, has not done enough to address their concerns.

The emotional toll of the incident is also taking its toll on residents, who are struggling with anxiety, stress, and sleepless nights. Local coffee shop owner Ben Ratner likened the incident to Pearl Harbor or 9/11, saying that it will be a seminal moment in the town's history.

The feeling of abandonment by the local and federal government is palpable. Some residents have reported that no inspectors or officials have reached out to them in the nearly two weeks since the derailment occurred. Others have criticized Norfolk Southern for not attending a question-and-answer session with residents, and the decision has only increased local anger at the company's response.

As the town struggles to recover, it begs the question: has the government lost its ability to keep us safe in the case of catastrophe? With so many recent incidents of chemical spills and accidents across the country, it's a valid concern. The people of East Palestine deserve answers and action from the government, and it's up to officials to step up and prove that they are capable of keeping communities safe in times of crisis.

Massive Fire at Florida Plant Nursery Sparks HAZMAT Response

 A massive fire erupted at a plant nursery in Kissimmee, Florida, earlier today. The fire began at around 1:30 a.m. and is believed to have started near the rear fence of the premises. While the exact cause and starting point of the fire are still under investigation, according to a spokesperson for the nursery, the damage has been limited to the exterior yard where the nursery keeps its flowerpots.

The fire, which has engulfed two acres worth of pellets holding plastic planters, is still not under control, and crews are using 4,500 gallons of water per minute to douse the flames. Furthermore, hazardous materials crews from Osceola and Orange counties are monitoring the air to determine if the smoke poses any danger to residents in the area.

Thankfully, the team at the nursery was quickly evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. In a statement, Nursery Supplies Inc. said, "We are thankful that the team in the plant at the time the fire started was quickly evacuated, and there have been no reported injuries. The plant has been fully evacuated while fire control activities continue, and team members are being advised not to come to work."

This fire is just the latest in a series of polluting accidents that have occurred in the United States in the past couple of days. On February 3, a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, caused a hazardous chemical spill, which prompted evacuations and contaminated the water supply. Then, on February 14, a truck carrying nitric acid crashed on I-10 near Tucson, Arizona, causing a hazmat scare and prompting authorities to evacuate people in the area.

It's unclear if all these incidents are just a coincidence or if there is a broader issue at play. However, one thing is clear: these incidents highlight the importance of proper safety protocols and regulations for hazardous materials. As more information about these incidents becomes available, we will keep you updated.

Truck Spills Nitric Acid on Arizona Highway, Prompting Evacuations

 

On February 14, a truck carrying nitric acid crashed on the I-10 highway near Tucson, Arizona, spilling the hazardous substance and prompting evacuations in the area. Nitric acid is a highly corrosive substance that is often used in the manufacturing of fertilizers, dyes, and explosives.

The driver of the truck, who has not been publicly identified, was killed in the accident. A shelter-in-place order was briefly instituted for those within one mile of the incident, but it was lifted late Tuesday. A separate evacuation order will remain in place until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

This incident comes on the heels of a train derailment in Ohio that spilled toxic chemicals into the environment, triggering evacuations and causing widespread concern about the safety of local residents. As we reported earlier, the train carrying hazardous cargo derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and isobutylene.

The proximity of these two incidents begs the question: are we under attack, or is this simply a coincidence? While authorities are investigating both incidents, there is no official evidence presented at this time to suggest that they are related.

The truck crash in Arizona is a reminder of the importance of safe transportation and handling of hazardous materials. Are there enough laws in place to keep the public safe from chemicals and their transport? It also underscores the need for proper notification and evacuation procedures in the event of a spill or accident.

As the investigation into these incidents continues, it is important for authorities to be transparent about their findings and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the public.

Train Derailment in Ohio: What You Need to Know

 

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying a variety of products derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The violent 50-car crash triggered evacuations for the small town, as large quantities of vinyl chloride and other contaminants entered the environment.

Since then, authorities have been working to contain the spill and assess the environmental impact. In a recent press conference, Governor Mike DeWine provided updates on the ongoing cleanup effort, as well as new information on the situation.

According to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUCO), Ohio wasn't alerted to the train's presence before the derailment. The train wasn't considered a high-hazardous material train, and therefore, the railroad was not required to notify anyone in Ohio about what was in the railcars coming through the state.

The governor called this fact "absurd" and said he plans to bring it to the attention of the congressional delegation. Representatives from the Ohio EPA, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies were also present at the news conference.

Water contamination is a significant concern, as a "plume" of water contamination with firefighting chemicals from East Palestine is making its way down the Ohio River. According to Tiffani Kavalec from the Ohio EPA, as of February 15, it was located near Huntington, WV. Kavalec stated that the Ohio River is a large water body that is able to dilute the pollutants pretty quickly.

All contaminants at the scene of the derailment are contained, and large pits are being dug, down to the clay level, to remove contaminated soil. The state's health director, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, reported that air quality tested normal before residents were allowed back in their homes near the derailment.

ODNR reports a fish kill totaling 3,500, and the number is not climbing. The department said no endangered species were affected. Residents using well water near the scene are advised to call for a free test kit offered by the state. Test results on the town's water supply are expected back within 48 hours. In the meantime, Vanderhoff advises anyone breastfeeding or pregnant to use bottled water.

The situation is still developing, and we will continue to monitor the cleanup efforts and provide updates as they become available. For the latest information on the Ohio train derailment, stay tuned to reliable news sources and government agencies.

Vinyl Chloride Released in Ohio Train Wreck: Impact on Environment and Communities

 Train Derailment in Ohio: What Happened and What's Being Done

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a fiery wreck that involved about 50 freight cars, ten of which carried hazardous materials. The derailment led to dead fish being found in nearby waterways and communities along the Ohio River considering their own risk of chemical exposure.

Vinyl chloride, a gas used to make plastic products such as credit cards and PVC pipes, was released and burned to prevent an explosion, releasing toxic fumes in the area. The highest levels of vinyl chloride are often found in the air near factories that produce it, and exposure to it is associated with an increased risk of rare forms of liver, brain, and lung cancers. Burning it sends toxic gases into the air, including phosgene, a toxic gas that was used as a weapon during World War I, and hydrogen chloride.

Residents within a 1-mile by 2-mile area surrounding East Palestine were ordered to evacuate on February 6 due to the hazardous fumes released from the controlled burn of vinyl chloride. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered the evacuation, which was carried out by law enforcement from both Ohio and Pennsylvania who went door-to-door to ensure any remaining residents left before the controlled release. Most residents reportedly left the area before the evacuation.

Residents were allowed to return home after officials from both Ohio and Pennsylvania, including the governors of both states, confirmed it was safe to do so. Officials with the Louisville Water Co. and Air Pollution Control District have stated that they are monitoring the situation and do not anticipate any danger to local residents, as the contaminants released from the derailment have not yet reached Louisville, and the levels of chemicals detected currently are below thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Norfolk Southern Railroad submitted a remedial action plan to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on February 14, outlining its response to the train derailment and what it plans to do next. The plan reportedly includes the installation of wells to monitor groundwater and soil sampling in the Ohio village. East Palestine officials are also testing the water supply for chemicals, and contractors with Norfolk Southern installed a dam and water bypass at Sulphur Run to prevent further contamination of downstream waters.

It is unclear how long the cleanup and remediation process will take, but officials and railroad operators are taking the situation seriously and working to address the potential impact on the environment and communities in the area. As for the residents affected by the train derailment, it's important to stay informed and to follow any guidance from local officials to ensure their safety and well-being.