By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/train-derailment-prompts-water-utility-to-take-precautions-against-toxic-fumes Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Train derailment prompts water utility to take precautions against toxic fumes Nation Feb 13, 2023 1:53 PM EDT HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia water utility is enhancing its water treatment process as a precaution following the derailment of a train hauling chemicals that later sent up a toxic plume in Ohio. West Virginia American Water said Sunday that it’s also going to install a secondary intake on the Guyandotte River in case there’s a need to switch to an alternate water source. The utility noted that there hasn’t been any change in raw water at its Ohio River intake. READ MORE: Rail workers say quality-of-life concerns not resolved under deal imposed by Congress “The health and safety of our customers is a priority, and there are currently no drinking water advisories in place for customers,” the company said in a statement. About 50 cars, including 10 carrying hazardous materials, derailed in a fiery crash Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Vinyl chloride was later released into the air from five of those cars before crews ignited it to get rid of the highly flammable, toxic chemicals in a controlled environment, creating a dark plume of smoke. Residents from nearby neighborhoods in Ohio and Pennsylvania were evacuated because of health risks from the fumes, but have since been allowed to return. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia water utility is enhancing its water treatment process as a precaution following the derailment of a train hauling chemicals that later sent up a toxic plume in Ohio. West Virginia American Water said Sunday that it’s also going to install a secondary intake on the Guyandotte River in case there’s a need to switch to an alternate water source. The utility noted that there hasn’t been any change in raw water at its Ohio River intake. READ MORE: Rail workers say quality-of-life concerns not resolved under deal imposed by Congress “The health and safety of our customers is a priority, and there are currently no drinking water advisories in place for customers,” the company said in a statement. About 50 cars, including 10 carrying hazardous materials, derailed in a fiery crash Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Vinyl chloride was later released into the air from five of those cars before crews ignited it to get rid of the highly flammable, toxic chemicals in a controlled environment, creating a dark plume of smoke. Residents from nearby neighborhoods in Ohio and Pennsylvania were evacuated because of health risks from the fumes, but have since been allowed to return. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now