After a train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio, USA, on February 17, 2023, officials continued operations and inspections in the area.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Anadolu | Getty Images
Norfolk Southern has agreed to pay $310 million to settle allegations of a toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023. declare Thursday.
The bulk of the settlement, estimated at $235 million, covers all past and future cleanup costs. Under the agreement, the company will also pay a $15 million civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.
The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed in March 2023 by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice against Norfolk Southern for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act after a freight train derailed carrying hazardous materials, triggering a long-running A day-long fire forced local residents to evacuate and polluted environmental soil and waterways.
“We are pleased to have the timely resolution of these investigations, which recognizes our comprehensive response to community needs and our mission to be the gold standard for safety in the rail industry,” said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw. “We will continue to keep our commitments and invest in the future of our communities for the long term. “
On February 4, 2023, smoke billowed from a derailed freight train in East Palestine, Ohio.
Dustin Franz | AFP | Getty Images
The settlement, if approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, would require Norfolk Southern to not only “take steps to improve railroad safety” but also “pay for health monitoring and mental health services for surrounding communities.” Other actions were taken, it said Thursday. That includes about $7 million for remediation projects to curb existing pollution and improve water quality in the area.
“No community should have to experience the trauma experienced by residents of East Palestine,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “Today’s enforcement action delivers on that promise, ensures companies pay for cleanup costs, and helps To prevent similar disasters from happening again.”
U.S. President Joe Biden received an operational briefing from officials on the ongoing response and recovery efforts at the site of a train derailment that caused a hazardous chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, one year ago on February 16, 2024.
Mandel Yan | AFP | Getty Images
Norfolk Southern’s total costs related to the incident are estimated to be approximately $1.7 billion. The company said Thursday’s settlement will not add to that total because it has already set aside funds and has already anticipated costs.
EPA spokesman Remmington Belford said the entire cleanup is currently expected to be completed around November 2024, but that “could change.”
A month ago, the company agreed to pay $600 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to the 2023 derailment.
About The Author
