(NewsNation) — Two years after a train carrying chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, a former resident says the situation in the village “hasn’t changed.”
“The creeks are still contaminated,” Jami Wallace said on “NewsNation Now.” “The only thing changing is people’s symptoms are actually going to longer-term illnesses.”
Wallace, who has since moved from East Palestine, says she was diagnosed with periodontal disease, asthma, adult cough and hypothyroidism in the wake of the derailment.
“My symptoms and my diagnoses are nothing compared to what we’re seeing in some of the community and the communities that surround us,” Wallace said.
Last week, Norfolk Southern and the city of East Palestine announced a $22 million settlement, which is supposed to be used for “priorities identified by the village.” These include the replacement of East Palestine’s fire and police equipment and vehicles, improvements to its water treatment plant and the exterior renovation of the historic East Palestine train depot. In addition, Norfolk Southern, per the settlement, also reaffirmed its commitment of $25 million for the ongoing improvements to East Palestine City Park.
This has Wallace asking, “When are the residents going to get help?”
“You know, they keep pouring all this money into the community, and if you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig,” she said. “What’s a $25 million park going to do when your kid has cancer and you can’t even take them to the park?”