The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says that over 43,000 animals and fish have died in the three weeks since a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. This is despite assurances from Norfolk Southern and the Environmental Protection Agency that the train derailment poses no threat to anyone or anything.
DNR officers have been on the scene every day since a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed on February 3, according to agency director Mary Mertz, who also stated on Thursday that she believes all the fish who were killed as a result of the event died right away.
Authorities calculated that the derailment killed 38,222 minnows and about 5,550 other species, including fish, crayfish, and amphibians. Within the impact area, there were five miles worth of fatalities.
According to Mertz, none of the slain species were threatened or endangered.
"Because the chemicals were contained, we haven't seen any additional signs of aquatic life suffering," she said.
Videos posted on social media by residents show chemicals welling up to the surface when stones are thrown into local creeks and ponds.
Recently, the EPA informed Norfolk Southern that they would need to clean the spill up to EPA standards. If the company does not, the EPA will do it and charge the company triple the cost.
Bob Peryea
National Correspondent
The Kentucky Daily