State EPA officials have said they are monitoring and assessing the water quality after the 110-car freight train derailment and subsequent release of toxic chemicals.Both federal and state officials have stressed repeatedly that the water supply is free of contaminants, that testing has been done to ensure any leaked chemicals did not seep into public wells, and that residents can return to normal life.
State EPA officials will continue the weekly tests of the public water supply for the foreseeable future, as will a separate private company, Eurofins. Still, some are anxious about groundwater contamination — which could easily end up seeping into larger waterways, such as streams and creeks. And due to its slow-moving nature, some have noted it could take as long as two years for groundwater contaminants to become detectable in nearby wells.Water quality and safety are the responsibility of individual states, which often work closely with local authorities in responding to an emergency.
Testing for volatile compounds such as vinyl chloride, for example, requires an intimate knowledge of both the compound itself, which easily switches from a liquid to a gas, as well as the chromatographic-mass spectrometric method, used to alter its properties and allows for proper testing.
Still, this varies based on the type of contaminant — whether it is chemical or microbial, whether or not it is a carcinogen — and the health of the general population or nearby residents. “It's also a caveat to remember that you're only going to find what you're looking for,” he told NPR. “And who knows what else is out there, especially after a large fire with a bunch of different, pretty interesting chemicals.”Those in search of a cautionary tale only have to look to the neighboring state of Michigan, home to the city of Flint and the most infamous water crisis in modern memory.
UpInTheHills It smelled like turpentine and looked like India Ink. I held my nose. I closed my eyes. I took a drink.
Well if the government tells you it's fine, better buy a metric boatload of bottled water.
And if you take the vaccine you won’t get Covid. Can’t trust the government.
I would not believe it unless I had a third-party tester verify what the state and federal officials are saying.
Will the people telling drinking that water is fine do it themselves ?
but it is way too early determine the possible long term effects the chemicals may have presented. and the photo op of 'officials' drinking a partial glass is foolish. Not one of them finish their glass and moved on. how about 8 glasses a day for month to prove its safe
Don’t believe that for one second!
Hi, we're from the Government to help!
I wonder...if this had happened along a train line or highway that Buttigieg has referred to as 'racist' would the Biden gang be on air 24/7 getting testimonials and expert opinion?
Sorry, but this is BS.