Grant to Expand Well Testing for Columbiana County Residents

LISBON, Ohio – Residents with water wells in and around East Palestine and along Leslie Run to the Ohio River have been getting them tested since shortly after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in February 2023. 

But for those outside the area of concern, testing was available only for those who could afford to pay for it through a private testing company.

On Tuesday, the Columbiana County Health District and the Columbiana County Port Authority announced a $2 million grant program will now provide for 100 wells in Columbiana County to be tested per year.

Haedan Panezott, project coordinator for the port authority, said the grant came from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and participation is voluntary.

Laura Faust, public information officer for the health district, said since the derailment, they had to draw a line for testing due to resources, but people outside the zone still expressed concerns about their water quality. Through the grant and with the assistance of Tetra Tech, an engineering consulting firm, Faust hopes answers and peace of mind will be provided to those outside the immediate area. 

Since the derailment, 1,800 wells have been tested for 29 chemicals of concern by the health department and Norfolk Southern representatives. That testing continues with quarterly monitoring, but so far no wells have been found with contamination related to the train derailment. 

The port authority and health district hope to be able to start accepting applications in the coming weeks for residents outside the monitored areas. 

Alliance Technical Group has been selected to conduct the laboratory testing of samples collected throughout the project life cycle.

Tetra Tech will lead community education and outreach services, including public meetings, educational materials, social media updates and ongoing resident engagement through 2031.

Results will be made available to property owners, and nonowner specific data will be added to the information provided on the health district’s website. The program is budgeted through 2031.