While discussions continued after the chemical spill following the train accident in the town of East Palestine, Ohio, Ohio, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine tried to prove to the public that the water resources in the region were clean by drinking tap water.
Governor DeWine visited a home in East Palestine with Congressman Bill Johnson and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan. While the work to clean up the vinyl chloride leak in the region after the train accident continues, Governor DeWine and his companions drank a glass of water from the tap in the house, giving the message that the water in the area was clean.
DeWine stated that the municipal water supply in East Palestine is tested on a weekly basis, and that the tests carried out by the EPA show that the water is potable.
Near the town of East Palestine, on February 3, a train with 150 cars carrying chemicals derailed 50 cars, 11 of which were carrying chemicals.
After the accident, fire broke out and explosions occurred in some wagons. Due to the high amount of chemicals spreading to the area due to the accident, evacuation orders were given for thousands of people.