Trains News Wire
Norfolk Southern reaches $310 million East Palestine settlement with EPA, Justice Department
The agreement includes a $15 million fine for the hazardous materials derailment in Ohio
A view of the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment site on July 27, 2023 shows progress made on cleanup. Norfolk Southern
WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern reached a $310 million settlement today with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department regarding cleanup and ongoing monitoring in East Palestine, Ohio, which was the site of a disastrous hazardous materials derailment last year.
The agencies said the agreement, which must be approved by a federal court, holds NS accountable for picking up the tab for the Feb. 3 derailment, which likely was caused by the catastrophic failure of a wheel bearing.
NS will be required to take measures to improve rail safety, pay for health monitoring and mental health services for the surrounding communities, fund long-term environmental monitoring, pay a $15 million civil penalty, and take other actions to protect nearby waterways and drinking water resources, the agencies said.
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