A new update from the Village of East Palestine says that chemicals have been found in the East End of the cleanup site.

According to the update, Norfolk Southern - under EPA oversite - found low levels of 2-butoxyethanol and other chemicals.

2-butoxethanol is a chemical used as solvent in surface coatings, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH says the chemical is also used in hydraulic fluids, glass cleaners and leather cleaners and as a solvent in paints, coatings and inks.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer does not classify 2-butoxyethanol as a carcinogen to humans.

Crews are working to address the chemical presence with targeted soil evacuations which began in January. Two more excavations are planned for this month and are expected to be completed by March.

The waste from the excavations is classified as non-hazardous and there will be no road closures or speed restrictions in the area.

Norfolk Southern has submitted an alternative proposal regarding the East End. It would include the following:

• Targeted Soil Excavation – Addressing remaining contamination in specific areas
• Enhanced Groundwater Monitoring – A long-term monitoring network to track contamination movement
• Environmental Benefit Analysis – Evaluating potential impacts and mitigation strategies in the wetland area

EPA teams are waiting for better weather to reassess Leslie and Sulphur Runs. Both streams were extensively cleaned in 2024.

Groundwater testing, including testing private wells, will continue on a monthly basis.