EP Odor Back, Norfolk Southern Offering Assistance

A sign of support greets motorists following the Feb. 3 derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (News Talk 1480 WHBC) – East Palestine residents saying they’re detecting odors again from the excavation of soil at the train derailment site.

Now Norfolk Southern has agreed to pay for residents within a mile of the site to use temporary lodging out of town.

They’ll also pay the travel, food and other expenses.

The railroad has said the process of removing contaminated soil from near and below the tracks could take until the end of April.

The U.S. EPA requested the assistance.

An advocacy group for residents wants that one-mile radius expanded.

Here’s more info from the U.S EPA:

Residents who would like to take advantage of this offer should contact the Norfolk Southern resource hotline at 800-230-7049 (open 24 hours) or visit the Family Assistance Center at Abundant Life Church in New Waterford, Ohio.

Residents can also contact EPA at 866-361-0526 for additional guidance about available resources.