EPA Dragged Its Feet On Investigating Chemical Risk From Ohio Train Derailment, Emails Show

Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/epa-east-palestine-derailment-dioxins-foia-emails_n_65030f7ee4b04e47fed4fa5a

Author: Chris D'Angelo and Jimmy Tobias

The Environmental Protection Agency waited a month to consult some of its top experts about the risk of dangerous chemical exposure around East Palestine, Ohio, following the fiery derailment of a Norfolk Southern train hauling toxic materials, internal emails show. That delay left at least two EPA scientists surprised and concerned. And it occurred while the agency was deferring to the railroad giant and its web of contractors to spearhead environmental testing, including crafting protocols for sampling soil, water and air for chemicals — a move many saw as a glaring conflict of interest.