The Environmental Protection Agency’s internal watchdog is launching an investigation into the agency’s response to the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

The new audit and evaluation will examine how the EPA handled the incident and its aftermath. The Associated Press and Bloomberg Law reported the development on October 27.

A review of the federal response

The investigation concerns the agency’s response to the derailment, not a new train crash. The accompanying National Transportation Safety Board aerial photograph shows the site on February 5, 2023.

The review follows a request by the vice president and EPA administrator for an independent examination. In an August 28 announcement, the EPA said the officials wanted its Office of Inspector General to assess the earlier federal response.

That August request was a call for a review. The latest reports describe the watchdog moving forward with the investigation.

No findings announced

The opening of an investigation does not establish that the EPA violated the law or mishandled a particular decision. No findings from the new review have been announced in the reports.

It also does not, by itself, provide a new measurement of current contamination or health risks in East Palestine. Those questions require separate environmental and health evidence.

The Associated Press and Bloomberg Law reported the new investigation. The EPA’s August announcement provides background on the request.