White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stated that after the derailment of the train carrying toxic chemicals in the US state of Ohio, the works will continue until the concerns of the people of the region about drinking water and air quality are resolved.
Speaking at the daily press conference, Jean-Pierre answered questions about the environmental disaster in the region as a result of the explosions that occurred after the train carrying toxic chemicals in the US state of Ohio was derailed.
Jean-Pierre stated that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with state officials in the region, and the Joe Biden administration is in contact with local authorities to meet their needs.
Stating that the EPA has been on the field since February 4, Jean-Pierre said that they closely followed the developments in the Eastern Palestine town. Jean-Pierre underlined that the health and safety of residents are their priority, and said that the EPA contributed to the testing of air quality and surface and groundwater in the region.
Spokesman Jean-Pierre said the National Transport Safety Board has also been in the area for more than a week to lead the investigation into the train derailment. In addition, Jean-Pierre underlined that EPA will continue to conduct air quality tests throughout Eastern Palestine, 7 days a week, and noted that he announced by updating the relevant information on the institution’s website.
Jean-Pierre emphasized that the work of the EPA’s regional office is supported to make drinking water safe again, and that they will manage a close cooperation with local administrators until the concerns of the people of the region are resolved.
When asked by a journalist about Biden’s stance on human health safety in the region and the animals killed by toxic gases, Jean-Pierre said that the US President was briefed on the matter and underlined that as the federal government, the health and safety of the people of the region is their top priority.
THE MYSTERY OF “CHEMICAL DISASTER” IN OHIO
In the environmental disaster that occurred in the US state of Ohio, explosions occurred after 50 wagons of the 150 wagon train carrying chemicals were derailed. After the explosions, it was decided to evacuate the residents of the region due to the spread of high amounts of toxic chemicals in the environment.
After the incident, there were reports in the media that the residents of the region had complaints such as headache, burning eyes, cough, weakness, and animal deaths. The New York Post newspaper also wrote that the amount of toxic chemicals carried by the train was well above what was announced.
The police arrest of a reporter following Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s press release on the event further fueled the debate over the “chemical disaster” enigma. (AA)