HARRISBURG – Over Presidents Day weekend, Sen. Doug Mastriano (PA-33) visited the areas affected by the East Palestine Train derailment and subsequent chemical fire.
Mastriano met with local emergency officials and residents who have been impacted by the environmental disaster. He also distributed pallets of free bottled water to residents still uneasy about using area tap or well water.
“No one has helped us except for Senator Mastriano,” said local Beaver County residents on Taggett road, about one mile from the site of the derailment. “We are having our kids use bottled water to drink and brush their teeth, but we don’t know if we can shower with our well water. Norfolk Southern wanted a hold harmless agreement to test our wells and no one else will help us.”
“That’s why I’m here,” Mastriano told residents. “As chairman of the Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee, our hearing on Thursday is intended to get the information needed to get help to you immediately.”
The Senate Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee will hold the fact-finding hearing on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m., at the Community College of Beaver County.
Contact: Josh Herman