West Hamilton News

Update from Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW):

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Several of the rail cars ruptured, spilling vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate chemicals. Hazardous materials teams from the Ohio and US EPA responded quickly and took measures to contain the compounds, but low levels of butyl acrylate were detected in samples of the Ohio River downstream of the incident. GCWW continues to work with the Ohio EPA, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), and neighboring water utilities along the river to collect samples and perform additional analyses to assess any potential threat to our drinking water. The levels of chemical detected upstream in the Ohio River are very low and it is expected that these concentrations will further decline through degradation and dilution. Locally, GCWW has tested more than 130 water samples at the Ohio River water intake, and no detectable levels of the chemicals from the derailment site have been found. GCWW plans to continue river sampling, with results posted daily on the website ( https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/water/ ).

GCWW has several actions it can take to address the chemicals, including closing the Ohio River intakes and optimizing treatment for chemical removal. Out of an abundance of caution, GCWW plans to shut down the water intakes and draw from reserves even if the chemicals are not detected. This action will be taken prior to the anticipated time of arrival based on the last detectable chemical concentration in the river (presently estimated to be early next week, although this is subject to change based on varying river conditions). GCWW also plans to use additional optimized treatment to remove the chemicals once the intakes are reopened, again even if no chemicals are detected. If the chemicals are detected, GCWW will continue intensive monitoring of the Ohio River to determine the appropriate time to reopen the water intakes and incorporate optimized treatment.

If you have any questions on the information provided, please contact Superintendent of Public Works Clint Zimmerman at 513-458-4615.