Responding at Scale: VLS Supports the East Palestine Derailment Cleanup
Ohio Train Derailment Response In February 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio released hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride. The incident required rapid, safe disposal of contaminated waste and water, as well as PFAS used in firefighting efforts. EPA selected VLS Environmental Solutions to handle a significant portion of the hazardous waste — approximately 85% — due to the company's safety record, regulatory compliance, and immediate capacity. VLS managed 33 million gallons of PFAS waste with RCRA Listed Codes, transporting via 4,000 truckloads and 500 railcars.
This high-profile response demonstrates:
Environmental and Safety Benefits of Class 1 Hazardous Waste Deep Well Injection
Deep well injection offers several environmental advantages over alternative hazardous disposal methods:
Low Air Emissions: Unlike incineration, deep well injection produces few air pollutants, greenhouse gases, or combustion byproducts. This is particularly significant for PFAS, as incomplete combustion from incineration could potentially create other harmful compounds that impact groundwater and surface waters. The DOD currently has a moratorium on incinerating waste containing PFAS for this reason.
Permanent Containment – No Soil or Groundwater Risk: The waste is confined in stable geological formations that have remained isolated for millions of years and are demonstrated to remain so for at least 10,000 years into the future. Unlike landfills, which can risk liner failure and generate contaminated leachate that has the potential to affect soil, groundwater, and surface waters, deep well injection permanently isolates waste thousands of feet below any drinking water sources.
Unparalleled Risk Mitigation: Because the waste is permanently sequestered, there is no risk of future CERCLA or RCRA liability.
No Waiting Period: Deep well injection is an established technology available today.
Additional Resources:
2024 Interim Guidance
EPA’s UIC Program (generic)
EPA’s UIC Program (Class I specific)
SDWA
RCRA
TCEQ Class I regs
Media Contacts
Heather Wendt
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