Justice Department Sues Norfolk Southern Over Derailment
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
The federal government filed a lawsuit against railroad Norfolk Southern over environmental damage caused by a train derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border that spilled hazardous chemicals into nearby creeks and rivers.
The U.S. Department of Justice said it’s seeking to hold the company accountable for “unlawfully polluting the nation’s waterways and to ensure it pays the full cost of the environmental cleanup,” in the lawsuit filed March 30.
It’s asking for fines under the Clean Water Act and for a judgment to hold the railroad accountable for past and future costs.
The derailment in early February led to the evacuation of half of the 5,000 residents of East Palestine when responders intentionally burned toxic chemicals in some of the derailed cars to prevent an uncontrolled explosion.
Our work continues in the East Palestine region, and we're committed to doing what's right to ensure the community recovers and thrives. So far we've assisted 6,450 families and invested and contributed $26.5M to the life of the community. Read more: https://t.co/I60ROdK2qx pic.twitter.com/XEi3qKjhvw — Norfolk Southern (@nscorp) March 28, 2023
Chemicals from the derailed cars and firefighting foam seeped into creeks and rivers near the village, with some eventually ending up in the Ohio River. So far, more than 9 million gallons of wastewater have been removed from the site and hauled to hazardous waste storage sites in Ohio and other states, according to the state officials.
Government officials say tests haven’t found dangerous levels of chemicals in the air or water in the area, but many residents remain concerned about their long-term health.
Justice Department and EPA File Complaint Against Norfolk Southern for Unlawful Discharge of Pollutants and Hazardous Substances in East Palestine Derailmenthttps://t.co/tI6Jnal3t3 — DOJEnvironment (@DOJEnvironment) March 31, 2023
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said three weeks after the disaster that the spilled contaminants killed an estimated 44,000 fish, mostly small ones such as minnows.
Disaster and tragedy have a way of unveiling the heroes among us. Every year, Transport Topics' Trucking's Frontline Heroes recognizes truck drivers and trucking professionals who found the strength to reach out and support those stricken by tragedy. How do we honor them? Find out here.
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw has repeatedly apologized for the impact the derailment and the company has pledged to pay for the cleanup. The railroad has promised more than $20 million to help the Ohio community recover while also announcing several voluntary safety upgrades.
Ohio filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern just over two weeks ago to make sure it pays for the cleanup and environmental damage, and pays for groundwater and soil monitoring in the years ahead.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
