Following the 2023 derailment and vinyl chloride burn in East Palestine, Ohio, expert Stephen Petty conducted soil and water tests for residents. Hired by class-action attorneys, Petty’s results were withheld despite a $600 million settlement with Norfolk Southern. Now, Nexstar’s NewsNation has obtained and reviewed these findings.
Petty’s Findings Unveiled
Stephen Petty informed NewsNation that carcinogens in East Palestine’s soil exceed safety levels. His data reveals high concentrations of dioxins and PAHs, dangerous cancer-causing chemicals. These levels surpass EPA guidelines, necessitating further analysis and remediation.
Petty stated, “Between 50% and 70% of data points show exceeded screening levels for dioxins or PAHs. Further analysis is vital to determine remediation needs.” Independent expert Scott Smith corroborated these findings, indicating intentional suppression of critical data.
Residents Kept in the Dark
Residents claim they were misled by their attorneys. Beth Kosar noted the secrecy around Petty’s tests. Linda Murphy shared audio recordings suggesting contamination levels were underestimated to avoid jeopardizing the settlement.
Despite the concealed data, the attorneys produced a video featuring toxicologist Dr. Arch “Chip” Carson, claiming minimal exposure levels and negligible health risks. Petty contested these statements, labeling them as untrue.
Legal and Community Reactions
Mindy Bish, a current attorney for the residents, is challenging the settlement, highlighting concealed findings and increased cancer reports. Nearly 90 residents seek to withdraw from the settlement, alleging fraud by the class counsel.
A judge denied reopening the settlement, prompting an appeal based on undisclosed adverse expert opinions from Petty. Resident Austin Druckenbord expressed distrust, citing manipulation and fraud affecting community health and future.