Submitted by Few-Ganache1416 t3_113s3bu in IAmA
DontWannaFilmAboutIt t1_j8xn1y3 wrote
Reply to comment by Few-Ganache1416 in IAMA Environmental Engineer AMA about cleaning up after chemical spills! by Few-Ganache1416
But not knowing the long term consequences of mixing and then burning those chemicals? It seemed like that was the quickest option just to get the trains moving again. There are reports of EPA officials still not going in to test things because they don’t want to risk exposure to the EPA employees, but they tell the East Palestine residents to shelter at home?! No remediation recommendations for PPE or their air filters? It just doesn’t make any logical sense.
Few-Ganache1416 OP t1_j8xq9k1 wrote
They are performing real time and continuous air monitoring in the nearby area, which is standard protocol and should alert them to any potential VOCs in the air. If VOCs were at a level where PPE would be recommended I would urge my client (if they were my client) to evacuate the area instead, because PPE isn't a shield, its a band-aid which can prevent short term exposure but not a good long term solution. Air concentrations dissipate quickly radiating outwards, but may be concentrated in a particular wind direction. As long as they maintain this procedure, the town shouldn't need to worry about air exposure, unless wind conditions change. My understanding of the EPA's hesitation was the evaluation of the immediate area of the spill site, which is understandable but the workplan that the Norfolk consultants proposed included the removal of source material in the area. This requires specialized HAZMAT teams if the air in the immediate area of the site still poses an inhalation risk.
DontWannaFilmAboutIt t1_j8y47lr wrote
Air isn’t the only concern either, their streams look like nuclear waste from the fallout of the burn. I don’t see how this was best case scenario at all. What is hazmat for, if not for the cleanup of hazardous materials. Their tap water is literally green. How are they supposed to shower? What is that going to do to the plumbing and sewer systems?
Few-Ganache1416 OP t1_j8y54rx wrote
Regarding the drinking/tap water, if you are going to make claims like this, then please provide evidence. Without evidence, people can make all types of claims. Air is the primary concern for nearby residents as it is the only complete exposure pathway at the moment unless they are rolling around in the mud near the spill site. HAZMAT crews who specialize in Level A/B PPE (respirators) can cleanup the site in timed intervals using a zoned cleanup plan.
DontWannaFilmAboutIt t1_j8ydbxq wrote
Few-Ganache1416 OP t1_j8yfebl wrote
The news report states that it was water collected from the ground on their property. It does not mention any testing whatsoever. There are many reasons why that water might be green, including that it may be related to the release, but without testing, there is no way to know. This is not water from the tap. All tap water monitoring in the area has come up clean so far. https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/train-derailment-east-palestine-resident-refuses-sign-form/
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments