PUTNAM COUNTY — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb reiterated his commitment to making sure waste heading to Indiana from the Ohio train derailment site does not contain harmful levels of cancer-causing dioxins.
Contaminated waste from the site of a fiery train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, began moving out to a landfill near Roachdale, Indiana, on Feb. 27.
Shipments paused when Holcomb ordered third-party testing on the toxic waste that was already here, along with the waste that was yet to be transported.
The shipments resumed this week, and as of March 15, the Putnam County landfill had received more than 30 truckloads of the waste. Each load is buried within the same day.
“What we’ll continue to do, and I think it’s to the benefit of all parties, is we will trust but verify.” Holcomb said. “I’m pleased now that all these soil samples that are making their way or have made their way to Indiana are being tested.”
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said it will be roughly three months to complete the remaining clean-up.
According to Regan, 6.8 million gallons of liquid waste and more than 5,400 tons of solid waste have been transported out of East Palestine.
The toxic waste is being shipped to several states, not just Indiana. Ohio and Michigan are among the states who will be disposing of the waste.
In addition, the EPA is testing the material to make sure it’s not harmful before it’s shipped to Indiana.
“It’s not just for my peace of mind, but it’s for everyone who calls Indiana home’s peace of mind. Getting a second opinion, like a lot of serious matters in life, is advisable, and we’ll continue to do it,” Holcomb said.
-
Family seeks answers after son was shot, killed on Indy's east side in October
21-year-old Jeique Peters was killed near 21st and Drexel Avenue on Oct. 19. His family is hoping for the person responsible to be held accountable.Judge says he needs more time to review Menendez brothers' case
Convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez are set to appear virtually for a court hearing Monday as a decision on whether to grant the brothers clemency remains uncertain.Michael Strahan to drive honorary Pace Car for 109th Indy 500
Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, two-time Emmy winner, and “Good Morning America” co-host has been named honorary Pace Car driver for the 109th Indianapolis 500.Ceasefire Indy holds 4th annual Friendsgiving to serve community, honor Ron Gee
Ron Gee would cook the food for the annual event himself to feed as many people as he could ahead of Thanksgiving. Now, in his absence, his family continued the Friendsgiving in his honor.