On Wednesday, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said during an appearance on CNN that individuals located near the site of the train derailment three weeks ago in East Palestine, Ohio, should not drink well water until it has been tested.
The train derailment occurred on February 3 when dozens of rail cars, including 11 that were carrying toxic chemicals, derailed in a town near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
“Listen, I trust the data. I trust the science,” Regan said. “From day one we have been on the ground along with the state doing the testing.”
“I also trust the testing protocol of the state. They have a very rigorous testing model and they’ve tested the municipal water,” he continued. “I would say for those who are on private wells if you have not had your water tested please contact the state. And as Gov. DeWine has said, don’t drink well water unless you have had those wells tested.”
Regan also said that those who believe they are experiencing negative effects should seek medical attention.
“I’m not second-guessing their experiences,” he said. “But what I can say is the water that has been tested and the air that has been tested is coming back with no adverse health impact levels. And so we can provide the data but if people are experiencing things we’re not going to second-guess anyone’s experience. I’m asking that they seek medical attention at the local level.”
