Two years post-Norfolk Southern train derailment, trains carrying hazardous materials continue to pass through East Palestine with little legislative action. An analysis reveals that Norfolk Southern trains transport chemicals like vinyl chloride frequently, ensuring limited transparency for residents unless they actively monitor. Existing systems such as AskRail only provide information to authorized responders, leaving the local community largely uninformed. The lack of disclosure obligations for railroads concerning hazardous material transport raises serious safety and awareness issues for those living near railway lines.
At least twice a week, on average, a Norfolk Southern train with cars displaying hazardous material placards for vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate moves through the town.
Railroads have no obligation to disclose such detailed information to local governments in advance, leaving residents in the dark about hazardous materials.
Norfolk Southern shares information with first responders through AskRail, an app that only authorized personnel can use to see what's on a train.
The Howard Center analysis was made possible by data collected via sensors near the East Palestine derailment site, illustrating concerns over local transparency.
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