(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Supplemental Emergency Response Grant

The State of Ohio, through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, has been awarded a $209,402 federal Supplemental Emergency Response Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to meet the immediate and ongoing behavioral health needs of the East Palestine community.

These funds will be used to minimize the long-term impact of the East Palestine train derailment and foster resilience by creating a positive environment and sense of belonging in the community and to expand and enhance Columbiana County’s crisis response system to ensure adequate and effective intervention in crisis or disaster situations.

Local certified professionals remain onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic to assist anyone with immediate questions or concerns.  In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.

Hazardous Waste Removal

According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 8.9 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total. There is currently a pile of approximately 23,300 tons of excavated soil waiting for removal from East Palestine, versus 10,500 tons that have been removed.

Track and Soil Removal

Test results show that all but 50 feet of sampled soil at the south rail line meet the clean standards determined by state and federal authorities. In the approved areas of the south line, the gravel bed has been rebuilt. Compaction, straightening, and leveling must occur next before the new tracks are laid.

Areas of the rail line that did not meet the clean standards will undergo more soil removal, and another round of testing will take place. Rails in the final 50 feet of the south tracks will not be reconstructed until the sampling results meet the clean standards determined by state and federal authorities. The south track is expected to be complete in mid-April.

State of Ohio Updates:

Unless an urgent update is necessary, East Palestine train derailment remediation updates from the State of Ohio will be issued only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday moving forward.

Health Assessment Clinic

The Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine, operating in partnership with the Columbiana County Health District, is operating on a walk-in basis. Residents should arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure there is enough time to be served.

Clinic hours for this week are:

    Monday-Tuesday: Noon to 6 p.m.
    Wednesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
    Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. For information, call the Columbiana County Health District at 330-424-0272.