Could Ohio Chemical Disaster Put Lost Lands Venue at Jeopardy?

Hazardous chemicals from the Ohio train derailment continue to burn leaving electronic fans questioning the future of Lost Lands at Legend Valley. 

A freight train has derailed in East Palestine, Ohio causing nasty aftermath to the surrounding land and residents. On February 3rd, a train operated by Norfolk Southern carrying 20 cars of highly toxic chemical was derailed due to what they believe was a mechanical issue on the rail car’s axel. 

This derailment started a quarter mile long fire for days. On February 6th, the US Department of Defense issued a vent and burn process where they claim would safely burn the remaining chemicals from the unbroken tanks into the air. 

Over 1500 people have been displaced from their homes in the area and have been told not yet to return. People have reported burning throats and eyes, piles of dead fish from water poisoning, and layers of spot across the land. 

There are no reports of any deaths, but it is unknown what the health repercussions will be from this incident. The highly flammable chemicals in the tanks were found to have vinyl chloride in them which is an unnatural Lee occurring carcinogen that is made in factories and used to make certain plastics. 

It is only normal that people including touring artists are looking to avoid this area until there is more definite answer on whether it’s safe to even breathe the air. Jesse  Kardon (aka Subtronics) recently announced his tour stop cancellation in Cleveland due to the current uncertainty of the matter. 

Knowing Legend Valley, home to Lost Lands Festival, is 150 miles southwest of the chemical disaster leaves fans wondering if the event will even happen or at the very least be relocated. Though 7 months away, Lost Lands has released an official statement detailing they are watching the matter closely. 

They claim, “Regular water testing is being conducted, and is being monitored to ensure that the festival site remains safe… In our region winds predominantly blow Northeast our region, the winds predominantly blow toward the northeast, so Licking County and Legend Valley have avoided fumes from the incident. Additionally, Legend Valley’s water is not sourced from the Ohio River, or where the incident occurred.”

It appears that for now Lost Lands plans to move forward with their event in September, but at what cost? The next few weeks and even months will reveal the repercussions of the chemical disaster in East Palestine.