Michigan stops shipment of East Palestine contaminated soil to the state after pushback
FLINT, Mich. (WEYI) — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says the process of moving contaminated soil from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment site to Michigan has been stopped.
Originally the soil transfer was done under the direction of the state of Ohio and the Environmental Protection Agency. Norfolk Southern brought large dump trucks to remove the contaminated soil and transfer it to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal — a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility in Wayne County, Michigan.
"Michigan EGLE became aware of the shipments early today (Friday) and is working to monitor the disposal of hazardous soil and liquids from the Ohio train derailment at licensed hazardous waste facilities in Michigan to ensure that all health and environmental protection laws and procedures are rigorously adhered to. We expect any shipment of Ohio soils and liquids to be handled in accordance with all laws and regulations as any other contaminated site material that is disposed of at the facilities, which are subject to extensive monitoring to ensure that hazardous waste does not present a threat to the environment or human health," the agency said in a statement.
Wayne County officials held a news conference Friday talking about how they were surprised that the contaminated soil had been shipped to Michigan.
