Sources report that substantial amounts of toxic waste are being transported from the East Palestine, OH train derailment site to privately-owned facilities in Van Buren Twp. and Romulus without any public input or warning
ROMULUS, Mich. (Feb. 24, 2023) — Following news this afternoon that one or more sites owned by Republic Services in the Romulus and Belleville areas are accepting toxic waste from the East Palestine train derailment, Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) issued the following statement:
“Residents of Romulus and Van Buren Township deserve to know what is happening in their communities, especially when it comes to hazardous materials coming in from out of state. The communities that have to take this toxic waste were just notified late this afternoon and told there is nothing they can do to stop it because Republic is a private company and can choose whether or not to take it—this is inexcusable. My office has been in conversation with EGLE and local officials and will be monitoring this issue closely, and I am calling for transparency and oversight in this process to ensure that the health and safety of our community are protected.”
Senator Camilleri further questioned why this waste was being transported almost 4 hours away to Michigan instead of staying in Ohio and urged Republic to reject the waste in the name of safety.
“After all that’s happened, why would it be safe to transport this waste nearly 250 miles?” said Camilleri. “I’m urging them to keep their toxic waste in Ohio.”
Camilleri is working with local officials to call for a coordinated disposal process that is transparent and prioritizes the safety of residents.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Senator Camilleri, please contact Senator Camilleri’s Chief of Staff Alissa Cravens at acravens@senate.michigan.gov or 248-880-4342.
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