Tuesday and Wednesday, nonprofits hosted experts and affected residents for conversations around the lasting impacts of the 2023 East Palestine, OH train derailment. The presentations — given by the last Mayor of Times Beach, MO Marilyn Leistner and expert toxicologist, Dr. George Thompson — detailed findings from the chemical spill and how communities can cope after a chemical disaster.

A theater in Columbiana, OH and church in Homestead, PA filled with residents that looked on as Dr. Thompson explained that the “controlled” burn of the chemicals spilled from rail cars emitted a chemical mix, resulting in the worst dioxin levels he had seen in his 55-year career. Mayor Leistner noted the harrowing similarities between East Palestine and Times Beach.

Times Beach, MO was demolished in 1985 after the chemical dioxin was sprayed on the city’s roads in 1982. The contamination caused miscarriages, animal deaths, and mysterious illnesses, prompting the EPA to declare it a Superfund sight. Dioxins are highly toxic environmental pollutants mostly caused by human activity.

Robin Lesko, Western PA Manager with Food & Water Watch, a sponsor of the event, said:

“While the East Palestine derailment disaster happened two years ago, the remnants of the incident can be found around the country. Chemicals from the disaster have been found in at least 16 other states. What the East Palestine derailment showed the United States are the dangers of transporting petrochemicals and what happens to people when the public’s health and safety aren’t factored into planning. We need bold action by legislators to clean up the Ohio Valley region’s fossil fuel and petrochemical mess that continues to devastate communities.”

Norfolk Southern (in consultation with the US Environmental Protection Agency) burned over 16,000 gallons of vinyl chloride following the train derailment, resulting in plumes filled with dioxins. A report published last June details the spread of the chemical disaster’s impact, citing historically high levels of chloride — which can cause kidney disease and a buildup of acid in blood — in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. 

“It is essential that communities learn more about the aftermath of this kind of toxic derailment,” said Battle of Homestead Foundation President John Haer. “We are very pleased Dr. Thompson and Mayor Leistner are coming to share their insights and personal experiences.”

Ohio Valley Derailment Mutual Aid (OVDMA) was also formally unveiled. The nonprofit, founded by Dr. Thompson and Mike Stout, with assistance from Food & Water Watch, aims to raise money for housing and relocation assistance; medical support; access to clean water and food; and long-term recovery support for residents affected by the disaster.

“We stand with the people of East Palestine and Western Pennsylvania in demanding transparency, accountability, and long-term solutions to protect both our environment and future generations,” said Mike Stout of the Izaak Walton League. “While we wait for governments and corporations to right the wrongs these communities have endured, we will support them by any means possible.”

“The residents of East Palestine deserve our support and help in their ongoing struggle to recover from this horrific vinyl chloride rail disaster. We are grateful for the establishment of  Ohio Valley Derailment Mutual Aid to provide clean drinking water, medical care and housing for East Palestine residents,” said Debra Smit, Director of Communications for the Breathe Project.