In early 2023, a toxic train derailment in Ohio shook the local community and raised significant environmental concerns. The aftermath of this disaster has now come under scrutiny, thanks to whistleblower Robert Kroutil and Government Accountability Project senior environmental officer Lesley Pacey. Their revelations on Fox Business’ “The Bottom Line” with hosts Dagen McDowell and Sean Duffy have brought to light alarming failures in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) response.

Immediate Failures

Immediate Failures
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Kroutil, an EPA whistleblower, revealed that the agency did not deploy its emergency response aircraft, which is crucial for assessing hazardous situations quickly. This aircraft could have provided immediate and critical information about the hazards at the derailment site. However, the EPA’s failure to utilize this resource left the public uninformed and at risk. Kroutil noted, “The EPA failed to collect much-needed data, which could have identified the compounds released during the derailment.”

Inadequate Data Collection

Inadequate Data Collection
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Kroutil highlighted that the EPA collected only eight minutes of data when they should have gathered 300 minutes. Additionally, they neglected to collect data over streams where hazardous materials were leaking into the environment. This oversight is particularly concerning, as contaminants in water sources can have long-lasting and widespread effects on both the environment and human health. The lack of comprehensive data collection has left residents around the affected areas, including streams and other water bodies, vulnerable.

Expanding Impact

Expanding Impact
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Lesley Pacey added to the alarming revelations by stating that dangerous chemicals from the derailment burn-off have been detected in at least 16 states. This wide-reaching contamination underscores the severity of the disaster and the inadequacy of the EPA’s initial response. Pacey criticized the EPA for not flying the ASPECT aircraft, which is the best technology for such situations, and for relying heavily on contractors for testing, which she claimed compromised the independence and reliability of the results.

Long-Term Health Risks

Long Term Health Risks
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Pacey expressed deep concern about the long-term health risks posed by the contamination. She pointed out that independent scientists, like Scott Smith, have found dioxins and other harmful chemicals in crops and gardens. Despite these findings, the EPA has advised residents to continue consuming their home-grown produce, a recommendation Pacey and others find highly questionable given the potential health risks.

The Public’s Right to Know

The Publics Right to Know
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The lack of transparency and slow response from the EPA has left many questions unanswered. Kroutil and Pacey emphasized the need for the public to have access to accurate and timely information. Kroutil mentioned that efforts are ongoing to seek answers from the EPA’s Inspector General and through the Government Accountability Project. “The public was poorly served by the EPA. They did not get the right information when they needed it,” Kroutil stated.

Accountability and Effectiveness

Accountability and Effectiveness
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I believe that this situation reflects a broader issue of accountability and effectiveness within federal agencies tasked with protecting public health and the environment. The EPA’s slow and inadequate response to the Ohio train derailment not only failed the local community but also set a concerning precedent for how similar future incidents might be handled.

Moving Forward

Moving Forward 1
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As the affected states grapple with the contamination, it is crucial that the EPA and other responsible agencies take decisive action to rectify their mistakes. This includes thorough and independent testing, transparent communication with the public, and implementing measures to prevent such failures in the future.

Need for Reforms

Need for Reforms 1
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The revelations by Kroutil and Pacey highlight the urgent need for reforms within the EPA. Ensuring that emergency response protocols are followed and that data collection is comprehensive and timely is essential for safeguarding public health. Moreover, reducing reliance on contractors and enhancing the agency’s internal capabilities could improve response efficacy and public trust.

“A Catastrophe”

A Catastrophe
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People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Who decided to burn the train in the 1st place. Any idiot knew that was going to cause a catastrophe.”

Another commenter added: “I hope those 16 states file a class action lawsuit against the EPA,Biden and the Railroad Company. Too many people affected by this.”

One person ominously said: “How long until cancer clusters show up in humans, cattle, frogs, and other living things downwind and downstream of the accidental derailment.”

Enormous Impact

Enormous Impact
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The impact of the Ohio train derailment extends beyond the immediate area, affecting multiple states and potentially millions of people. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of robust environmental oversight and the need for federal agencies to be prepared to act swiftly and effectively in the face of environmental disasters.

Improving Emergency Response Protocols

Improving Emergency Response Protocols
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What do you think?  What steps can the EPA take to improve its emergency response protocols and ensure timely and accurate data collection in future incidents? How can federal agencies enhance transparency and communication with the public during environmental crises? What measures should be implemented to reduce the reliance on contractors for critical environmental testing and analysis?

To hear the full discussion, watch the video on Fox Business’ YouTube channel here.