EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — As many Ohioans remain concerned following the train derailment in East Palestine, Cleveland City Council is assuring residents that the water is safe to drink.
"As concerns about environmental hazards have come into our council offices, we want to be clear: Cleveland’s water is safe. The Cleveland Water Department has issued a statement explaining that the events in East Palestine do not affect Cleveland’s Lake Erie Water Source. Cleveland’s air has not gotten worse after this accident. Air quality is closely monitored by the Division of Air Quality within the Cleveland Department of Public Health," said Cleveland City Council in a statement.
The statement from Cleveland City Council comes exactly two weeks after the fiery train derailment took place in Columbiana County, nearly 90 miles south and east of Cleveland.
Earlier this week, Cleveland Water released a statement on Twitter noting that the drinking water remains safe for residents in the City.
On Friday in a press conference, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared that the water in the Ohio River is safe after recent testing.
“I’m happy to report this morning that sampling has shown the plume has now completely dissipated," Gov. DeWine announced in regard to the Ohio River. "It was never thought to be a threat, but they could get slight detections."
The full statement from Cleveland City Council can be viewed below:
"Council members recognize the seriousness of the situation of the train carrying hazardous materials that derailed in East Palestine about 90 miles south and east of Cleveland. We strongly encourage state and federal officials to address and assist the residents of that city and its neighboring cities with recovery.
As concerns about environmental hazards have come into our council offices, we want to be clear: Cleveland’s water is safe. The Cleveland Water Department has issued a statement explaining that the events in East Palestine do not affect Cleveland’s Lake Erie Water Source. Cleveland’s air has not gotten worse after this accident. Air quality is closely monitored by the Division of Air Quality within the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
As your representatives we will continue to monitor developments and share with you anything we learn about environmental impacts.
To say the East Palestine train derailment is concerning to us is an understatement. Cleveland is filled with dense neighborhoods and numerous freight rail lines. A significant volume of trains pass through our neighborhoods daily, including those run by Norfolk Southern. More information is needed in order to understand hazardous materials and cargo they may carry. A derailment here - or anywhere - is a threat to our safety and our environment.
In the coming months, Cleveland City Council will work to increase public understanding and accountability for rail safety."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Feb. 17, 2023.