‘Classic cover-up of an environmental disaster’: Activist Erin Brockovich in East Palestine

COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - Environmental activist Erin Brockovich returned to East Palestine Thursday and met with residents about the Feb. 3 Norfolk-Southern toxic train derailment.

This was Brockovich’s second visit to the community.

Brockovich said she spent the morning with “very” upset residents and “could not believe the amount of information coming in.”

She added the residents are “getting the total run-around” and this is a “classic cover-up of an environmental disaster.”

“They have already lost everything and their future,” said Brockovich of the residents in East Palestine.

According to Brockovich, the “lack of miss-management is unbelievable.”

Brockovich brought in water expert Bob Bowcock who said another problem for the community will be when the water comes into their basements.

Residents joined Brockovich and Bowcock at an afternoon news conference and discussed their medical concerns; including, rashes and breathing issues. Residents also expressed frustration with the run-around they get when trying to get help.

In addition, Brockovich will be holding a town hall meeting from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Columbiana Cultural Collective, 5 North Main Street, Columbiana.

Representatives from a legal firm will join her at the town hall.

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