FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – As the EPA is assessing Norfolk Southern Railroad’s responsibility in handling the cleanup of a toxic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio some in Indiana are expressing concern for their safety.
Since the train derailed on February 3rd and the chemicals were burned off, residents in the area have complained of rashes, sore throats, headaches, and nausea.
Here in Fort Wayne, City Utilities says that some worried customers have reached out and that misinformation on social media has only added to the confusion.
Frank Suarez with City Utilities says that the derailment will not affect our drinking water. He also outlined what the response would be if we did have a similar situation here in. theSummit City.
City Utilities released the following:
The chemical spill caused by a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, does not affect the water source or drinking water of City Utilities. East Palestine is nearly 300 miles southeast of Fort Wayne. City Utilities’ water primarily comes from the St. Joseph River, which flows to us from the north, starting in Michigan and ending in Fort Wayne.
Distance between Fort Wayne, Indiana and East Palestine, Ohio (Google Maps)
Nevertheless, when a chemical spill threatens the water source in another Midwestern community, it is understandable that some residents may wonder if it affects their water. Unfortunately, some unfounded speculation is circulating on social media. To be clear, the train derailment in East Palestine does not impact our water.
Should a chemical spill occur on the St. Joseph River, City Utilities would work with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, to take proper action.
The delivery of safe, abundant, high-quality water to our customers is City Utilities’ ongoing priority. To that end, Three Rivers Filtration Plant conducts more than 50,000 tests daily in our lab and through our automation processes. Our water testing occurs every minute of every day.
