Just an update on EP. I was there over Easter for the first time since the derailment. There's no obvious physical pollution at this point for a visitor--unless you happen to be near the dust from the trucks removing contaminated soil or are digging around in the creek (though these obviously impact locals)--the air is fine and so far my parents' well is testing normal. There are huge blue tanks near the derailment site to store something toxic, I guess?
Norfolk Southern is setting up shop in town, renting out main street locations as community liaison offices, hosting a permanent nurse to document any health issues residents present, etc. They are paying for a massive renovation of the city park and presumably open to other ideas to improve the property values. They have purchased some homes that were close to the derailment. The protesting group is getting smaller and I think people are settling into a wait-and-see mode. I do know of a few people whose mental health was really challenged by the pandemic that have now tipped over into full-on depression and other issues.
As always, I leave it up to you whether to continue including EP in the prayer list. At this point, I think the issues will be more long-term challenges rather than critical, breaking news kind of stuff. Weather is hitting the point for planting, so I'll see if I hear anything from farmers in the area.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2023-04-17 06:17 pm (UTC)Norfolk Southern is setting up shop in town, renting out main street locations as community liaison offices, hosting a permanent nurse to document any health issues residents present, etc. They are paying for a massive renovation of the city park and presumably open to other ideas to improve the property values. They have purchased some homes that were close to the derailment. The protesting group is getting smaller and I think people are settling into a wait-and-see mode. I do know of a few people whose mental health was really challenged by the pandemic that have now tipped over into full-on depression and other issues.
As always, I leave it up to you whether to continue including EP in the prayer list. At this point, I think the issues will be more long-term challenges rather than critical, breaking news kind of stuff. Weather is hitting the point for planting, so I'll see if I hear anything from farmers in the area.