A year’s worth of soil, surface and well water sampling conducted by the state Department of Environmental Protection and an independent contractor found no evidence of contamination related to the East Palestine train derailment in Western Pennsylvania, the DEP announced Friday, Feb. 16.

According to the DEP, samples were taken at 85 private potable water sources, 97 surface soil locations and 18 surface water locations within Pennsylvania.

The DEP stated the contractor is continuing to conduct a fourth round of private well sampling and is sampling at three sentinel monitoring wells installed in Pennsylvania by Norfolk Southern. The three wells were installed between the derailment site and private properties for early detection of groundwater contamination.

The contractor has completed all soil and surface water sampling.

Groundwater in the area has not been contaminated by the derailment, the DEP stated. The organization added that data indicates groundwater around the monitoring wells on the Pennsylvania border is flowing toward Ohio, away from Pennsylvania.

The full interim summary report and mapping tool can be found on the DEP’s webpage with information on the derailment.

“DEP’s response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment started just over a year ago, and we continue to be on the ground in Beaver and Lawrence counties supporting local communities,” said Jessica Shirley, DEP’s interim acting secretary. “DEP will continue to work with local partners and its independent contractor to uphold Pennsylvanians’ right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of natural resources. Under the leadership of the Shapiro Administration, DEP will remain committed to addressing residents' concerns, following the science, and taking action when warranted.”