Update: Impact from train derailment and writing - Heidi Sands's Blog

Hi. I put in previous posts in the winter regarding the Ohio Train Derailment and experiencing fall out with toxins detected in the snow here, after they burned chemicals there. It impacted the wildlife in a serious way. The wildlife had fled here at my location in February. I had never experienced such loss of birds, squirrel and other wildlife. It has only been spotty since. I am in the woods in the mountains. This is unheard of, as it is usually very busy here. I waited to see what would happen when snow melted in Spring. It didn't get much better. Some woodpecker came and left. None are hammering now. Not one chipmunk came out of their winter holes in the ground from winter. They are usually all over the place. Spring birds are not chattering at daylight. There is silence, until a few singing on and off later. Some plants that come up every year are charred black, no flowers. Crocus, didn't show at all. Anyway, needless to say, it continues to be concerning. A person came in May to do some testing for harmful chemicals and Dioxins. Results will take at least 45 days. I should know something by the end of June. But, all this has interfered with my muse and inspiration that I get from nature. I have had to watch these unusual changes daily and see things I have never seen before, in addition to the issue as to whether I can stay. I will continue to write as I can. Thank you!

Linda Alice Fowler Date: 5/26/2023 1:56:00 PM Thank you for updating Heidi. A critical situation for the animals and potentially for you. Just awful. Stay safe! Login to Reply Heidi Sands Date: 5/27/2023 5:41:00 AM Thank you Linda. It has been awful since Feb. I appreciate your comment :)

Joanna Daniel Date: 5/24/2023 1:22:00 AM Really sorry to hear this, Heidi, hope you are safe there... Login to Reply Heidi Sands Date: 5/24/2023 5:58:00 AM Thank you Jo. I appreciate your comment on this. I wanted people to know why I cannot write as much lately with all the changes lack of wildlife here , impact on plants and other concerns. Much has changed. It may not be safe enough to stay. I hope you have a nice day :)

Michael Tor Date: 5/23/2023 8:27:00 PM Heidi so sorry to hear all you have shared. I hope that they did not ruin the region your in. Keep us posted on the results of the test. I am curious to find out. They are destroying the whole planet. They are amping up climate change because they know God's wrath is coming to this world and they will blame the floods, famines, earthquakes, on climate change instead of the real truth. Login to Reply Michael Tor Date: 5/24/2023 7:21:00 PM There has to be accountability for what they did. They should all involved be in prison. Start a class action lawsuit make them pay for your relocation to a safer place if you find these dioxin contaiminents. So sorry Heidi I know you love your animals like myself and my wife Judy. Heidi Sands Date: 5/24/2023 5:48:00 AM But, there are still much less birds. It is so different. Some plants suffered too when snow melted. I also collected many things. Charred black buds, shiny black leaves, pinecone, acorns. Then strange orange slime on bark of tree suddenly from rain overnight. Not growing or seaping. They are digging up toxic dirt at derailment location. People say it is worse in the rain there. It may still be entering weather systems. This kind independent volunteer tester who has been to 60 disasters found 9 different dioxins there. Dioxins can't be broken down. I will see if there is any match from his testing here. Will let you know. Thank you :) Heidi Sands Date: 5/24/2023 5:43:00 AM Hi Michael. Well, the toxins were unbearable and sickening in the winter snow here. It all came with the weather system in spotty areas with wind due to their reckless burn of toxic chemicals. The plume reached Canada too. But, I was wondering what would happen by Spring. The soil is now concerning and lack of all chipmunk coming out of the ground. I didn't expect the lack of birds to continue. Most all had disappeared suddenly in winter cont:

Suzette Richards Date: 5/23/2023 7:35:00 PM Heidi, I can only imagine what you must be experiencing. If you are growing your own produce, the concern about the environment must be mind boggling. They have brought an open cast coal mine in operation not far from where I now live, and it is not the regulation distance from the nearest habitat. It is a nightmare to challenge the powers that be. Hope you get answers soon and that you can get clarity on your opinions. Login to Reply Heidi Sands Date: 5/24/2023 5:38:00 AM I am not growing anything right now. I am sorry to hear about the Coal mine you mentioned. Yes, you are right about it being a nightmare to challenge the powers that be. Thank you for your input. I hope you gave a nice day :)

Kim Rodrigues Date: 5/23/2023 4:54:00 PM Wow! So sorry that you are going through that. Heartbreaking… Login to Reply Heidi Sands Date: 5/23/2023 6:26:00 PM Thank you Kim. :)

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 5/23/2023 10:43:00 AM - What about the drinking water...(inside the houses)? - Maybe it should be tested ? - It's all so terribly sad, Heidi - hugs Login to Reply Heidi Sands Date: 5/23/2023 2:41:00 PM The people in the town of the derailment on the town water , have been told it is safe there. Those who have private wells are concerned and most people are drinking bottled water. They just had a water give away the other day, run by donations that came in. They need water.