Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, has announced that agricultural samples taken from Beaver and Washington Counties show no contamination resulting from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Following requests from local producers, tissue samples from various crops were tested for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in late April. Results indicated that plant tissue is unlikely to be a source of SVOC exposure, providing additional reassurance that the derailment's impact did not spread to crops in the region.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with Penn State University scientists, conducted the testing. The results supplement environmental sampling conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. To further address concerns, ongoing monitoring of soil and water quality will continue.
Farmers and producers affected by the derailment can seek assistance and information by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture hotline. A comprehensive FAQ and updates regarding Pennsylvania's response to the incident can be found on the PEMA Train Derailment Dashboard.
The test results offer peace of mind to farmers and consumers, ensuring that the agricultural products they rely on remain safe and uncontaminated in the aftermath of the train derailment.
Photo Credit: istock-pkujiahe
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops