Researcher claims contamination spreads after East Palestine derailment
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio - An independent environmental tester's results are painting the picture that East Palestine is becoming more contaminated.
The tests were conducted by Scott Smith, an Independent testing expert and Government Accountability Project whistleblower client.
He presented his results at a town hall meeting put on by an attorney representing people affected by the 2023 train derailment. After testing the well water and soil, it showed growing levels of chemicals.
“I've made two trips, 36 rounds of testing. And near ground zero, we got the highest level of dioxins and contamination that we've seen. And that was August of 2025. I didn't expect it,” said Smith.
Smith said the mixture of chemicals left in the community could cause both short and long term effects.
“Brain fog, you know, bleeding, female issues and unfortunately sometimes cancer, liver issues, kidney issues,” said Smith
Smith is also continuing to look at the well water after seeing a spike in dioxins in August.
This is the second town hall meeting for East Palestine residents put on by Mindy Bish, managing partner for Keenan Law Firm.
Bish is representing more than East Palestine residents in a lawsuit. She said the results were not shocking.
“I'm not surprised. Norfolk Southern came in and they moved a lot of dirt around. If you can dilute the dirt, the tests, they don't look as bad. But the truth of the matter is, you haven't done anything to remove the toxins,” said Bish. "East Palestine is more contaminated now than after the derailment occurred."
Bish also offered resources for East Palestine families who are in need for the holidays. She pointed to delayed settlement payments. Bish previously said that her firm is “investigating whether there is a viable lawsuit against Kroll for this long delay. The money was promised a year ago."
People from East Palestine and surrounding communities who went to the town hall are continuing their cry for help years after the train derailment.
Heidi Prine of Negley feels the community is not getting enough support.
“Our health is never going to be the same. Hundreds and thousands of us are impacted for life,” said Prine.
