Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine has called on Congress to closer examine railroad regulations after the recent train derailment disaster in East Palestine.

During a Tuesday afternoon press conference in Columbus, Governor DeWine revealed that he had learned that the railroad was not required to notify residents of the hazardous chemicals being transported in some of the rail cars.

This is because the train was not considered a "high hazardous material train" due to most of the rail cars not having hazardous materials on board.

DeWine criticized the way this was handled stating that it is "absurd" that residents were not required to be notified.

"Frankly, if this is true, and I'm told it's true, this is absurd and we need to look at this and Congress needs to take a look at how these things are handled. We should know when there are trains carrying hazardous material going through the state of Ohio," DeWine said.

DeWine requested Congress to "take the appropriate action" if this is true.

When it comes to animal deaths in the area, officials were able to confirm that water quality readings show 3,500 fish that died as a result of water contamination. 

Officials say since the first few days of the derailment, this number has not increased.

However, officials say they cannot confirm that non-aquatic animal deaths are linked with the chemicals at this time, but if you believe your pet's sickness or death is a result of these chemicals to contact your local vet.

The Ohio Department of Health Director explained short term exposure to these chemicals will not cause any lasting health concerns.

"The good news is, most people can be around these volatile organic compounds at low levels without really feeling health effects, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said. "However at higher levels, especially over a longer period of time, we can have long-term health effects."

Vanderhoff explaining the attention now remains on maonitoring those water quality levels.

In terms of water pollution, the initial impact was at Sulphur Run leading down into Leslie Run, to Bull Creek and a portion of the north fork of Beaver Creek.

This eventually leads into the Ohio River. Water is currently being tested there to ensure safety.

In addition, DeWine says he's been in touch with officials including Senators, J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown, Congressman, Bill Johnson and even President Biden.

According to DeWine, Biden assured him that the federal government would supply DeWine with anything he needed and to call him personally if he needed anything.

Vance, Brown and Johnson all expressed interest in helping in any way they can.