COLUMBIANA – For the third time since the Norfolk Southern train derailment, representatives of East Palestine Justice – a team of attorneys and activists headed by environmental advocate Erin Brockovich – held an informational meeting for those impacted by the derailment. During the latest meeting held at the Columbiana Theater on Wednesday, attorney Mikal Watts told the crowd that their experience was not unique.

“What has happened to you has happened repeatedly,” he said. “Train derailments are a part of our history. What has happened to your community has happened before. We are here to figure out why it keeps happening and what that means for you.”

Thomas W. Bevan, the organization’s on-the-ground representative, also spoke to those in attendance.

“We are here to help you understand the things you are facing and the things we are going to be facing in the quest to get people compensated,” Bevan said. “We want you guys to learn what you need to do to protect yourself following this disaster.”

The first meeting held by Justice for East Palestine took place at East Palestine High School on Feb. 24, three weeks after the disaster. Following Wednesday’s gathering in East Palestine, the organization held its first informational public meeting in Pennsylvania with a gathering at Black Hawk High School in Beaver Falls.

In other derailment news, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it will hold an EPA Resource Fair for East Palestine residents today from 6 to 9 p.m. at the East Palestine High School gym at 360 W. Grant St. The fair will give residents the opportunity to talk one-on-one with representatives of the agencies who have responded to the disaster. It is also an opportunity for community members to learn more about the equipment being used to monitor the air quality in and around East Palestine as cleanup efforts continue.