PennWest University California will host an in-person and online program April 13 on the Norfolk Southern train derailment called Ask The Expert - Environmental Disasters at 11:00 a.m.

The program will feature Dr. David Argent, professor of wildlife and fisheries biology at PennWest; Rick Spear, aquatic biologist supervisor for the Department of Environmental Protection; and Dr. Michael Slaven, environmental historian at PennWest.

They will discuss what the disaster means for the environment, specifically the people, plants and animals near the crash site, and highlight some of the biological monitors used to assess the threat to the region.

“We will provide a timeline of activities and summarize what has happened to date,” Argent said. “(Spear) will summarize his agency’s response to the situation, the potential impact to Pennsylvania waters, and what, if any, regulatory violations may have occurred.”

The community is welcome to attend in person at Frich Hall 202 on the PennWest California campus or Click Here to register to attend online.

The program is sponsored by PennWest’s American Democracy Project, a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education's role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy.

NewsClips:

-- City & State PA: Norfolk Southern Spent Millions On Lobbying And Political Donations In Harrisburg/Washington, D.C., Will It Pay Off?

-- The Center Square: OH. PA Congressional Lawmakers Want Commitment National Institutes Of Environmental Health To Help Respond To Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: PA’s U.S. Senators Leading The Way In Holding The Rail Industry Accountable

-- PennWest University California To Host April 13 In-Person/Online Program Ask The Expert: Environmental Disasters On Norfolk Southern Train Derailment  [PaEN]

-- FracTracker Alliance StoryMap Explores Environmental, Community Impacts Of Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: Train Derailment One Of Many Environmental Disaster In PA [Abandoned Oil/Gas Wells, PFAS, Lack Of Resources To Enforce Laws]

-- TribLive: Norfolk Southern Train Derails In Pittsburgh Carrying Empty Steel Cars

-- USA Today: Families Weigh Future After Toxic Train Derailment: ‘I Don’t Want To Leave Them Behind’

-- WPost: Federal Regulators Called On Railroads To Review ‘Train Makeup’ Amid Rising Derailments Of Long Trains

[Posted: April 5, 2023]

4/10/2023