The Environmental Protection Agency today is scheduled to send contaminated waste from the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, to a landfill in Roachdale. 

The shipment was expected to arrive today, according to EPA officials. 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to transport hazardous materials from the East Palestine train derailment to an Indiana facility.

“I continue to object to the EPA Administrator’s decision, from Washington, D.C., to move hazardous waste from the East Palestine train derailment to Indiana. Further, there has been a lack of communication with me and other Indiana officials about this decision.

After learning third-hand that materials may be transported to our state yesterday, I directed my environmental director to reach out to the agency. The materials should go to the nearest facilities, not moved from the far eastern side of Ohio to the far western side of Indiana. I have made a request to speak to the administrator to discuss this matter. I want to know exactly what precautions will be taken in the transport and disposition of the materials.”

The landfill in Roachdale is operated by Heritage Environmental Services and specializes in hazardous waste transportation, treatment and disposal. 

In a press conference yesterday, the EPA announced it will also send waste to an incinerator in Grafton, Ohio and the agency has almost found enough certified facilities to receive the waste. 

Earlier this month, 38 train cars derailed, causing toxic vinyl chloride to escape from five tankers. The vinyl chloride was burned and state and federal officials have said there is no risk to the local community.