EAST PALESTINE — Two detections of 2-butoxyethanol and “other chemicals” were identified east of the derailment site, village officials reported Friday through its website epohio.org.

“Norfolk Southern, under EPA oversight, has identified low levels of 2-butoxyethanol and other chemicals in the East End,” the village reported. “To address this, targeted soil excavations began in January, with two more planned for this month. These are expected to be completed by March. The waste from these excavations has been classified as non-hazardous, and while there will be no road closures or speed restrictions, residents should expect an increase in truck traffic as materials are hauled away.”

Two-Butoxyethanol acetate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor used as a solvent in spray lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints and as an ingredient in paint thinners and strippers, varnish removers and herbicides. It is also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to high levels of 2-butoxyethanol can cause irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, a metallic taste in their mouth and vomiting. It is not known whether 2-butoxyethanol can affect reproduction or cause birth defects in people, but high doses of 2-butoxyethanol have been shown to cause reproductive problems and minor birth defects in animals.

The compound was among the chemicals spilled in the derailment. A full tank car — or 25,000 gallons — of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether was released when Car 36 suffered significant outlet valve damage and a cracked tank head. Car 38 suffered cracks and punctures, leading to the partial loss of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

According to the village, Norfolk Southern has completed extensive environmental testing in the east end, collecting 998 soil samples, 188 sediment samples, and 67 groundwater samples, an while groundwater testing, including at private wells, continues on a monthly basis as required by EPA’s 2023 CERCLA order, “enhanced groundwater monitoring in the east end is also planned to assess the long-term impact of 2-butoxyethanol in the area.”

A work plan titled “East End Directive Alternative Proposal” submitted by Norfolk Southern has been approved by the EPA.

The proposal “outlines targeted soil excavation to address the remaining contamination in specific areas, enhanced groundwater monitoring to track contamination movement and an environmental benefit analysis to evaluate potential impacts and mitigation strategies in the wetland area, including excavation feasibility, monitoring options and environmental restoration.” That work is expected to be complete by March 15.

According to the village, Norfolk Southern has completed environmental testing east of the site, collecting 998 soil samples, 188 sediment samples, and 67 groundwater samples.

“To confirm cleanup effectiveness, nearly 3,000 samples were collected over 14 months, with an additional 1,200 from the East End,” the village reported. “These results will continue to be reviewed through the spring.”

In other cleanup news, the village reported that weather has slowed the reassessment of Leslie and Sulphur runs “as low water levels and freezing temperatures have delayed safe and accurate testing” and a sheen reported by residents continues to be investigated and those spots will be included in “future reviews” of the streams.

As for water at the derailment site, the village said the Ohio EPA approved the return of natural rainwater flow near Pleasant and East Martin Streets in January, “marking the end of water collection at the site.”

The village said it “remains committed to keeping residents informed about ongoing environmental cleanup efforts” and thanked the public for its patience throughout the remediation and cleanup process.

“We continue to advocate for our residents by working closely with the EPA and Norfolk Southern to ensure all necessary remediation is completed thoroughly and safely,” the village stated in its post. “Transparency remains our top priority, and we will provide regular updates so the community is fully informed throughout this process.”

The village said it will provide updates as new information becomes available and directed remediation-related questions to the EPA’s Information Line at 330-775-6517.