West Virginia is facing a unique situation following the recent Norfolk Southern train derailment that left a local river polluted with dangerous chemicals. Residents of the riverside have been left feeling anxious and even frightened due to the lack of clarity around the risk to their drinking water and overall health. Consequently, WVU and local governing bodies have taken action to ease the public's fears.

The West Fork River, the primary source of the Clarksburg Water Board, has been identified as unaffected by the contamination in the Ohio River. WVU has also activated their Emergency Response Team in order to provide direct support and health-related assistance to those impacted. Furthermore, Governor Mike Dewine contacted the White House requesting assistance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Health and Emergency Response Team, and the CDC.

Emily Wright, a resident of nearby Columbiana and Development Director of River Valley Organizing,