Subject to court approval, Norfolk Southern will pay $600m to the residents and businesses affected by the 3 Feb 2023 cataclysmic railroad derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Over one million gallons of hazardous materials and pollutants were released into the atmosphere, sickening inhabitants, first responders, and killing nearly 45,000 animals, mostly fish. Luckily no one in the city of 4,700 people was killed.
To prevent an explosion, a controlled burn of the chemicals was authorized, which released noxious black clouds blanketing the area. Inhabitants remain concerned about the long-term health ramifications caused by being exposed to a plethora of toxic particulates, as well as the safety of their potable water.
Norfolk Southern has not admitted to any liability or wrongdoing, but in 2023 agreed to compensate homeowners who were forced to sell their properties at under-market prices. In addition to the $600m settlement, Norfolk Southern has contributed the following:
- $104 million in community assistance to East Palestine and the surrounding areas in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including $25 million for a regional safety training center, $25 million in planned improvements to East Palestine's city park, $21 million in direct payments to residents, and $9 million to local first responders;
- $4.3 million to support upgrades to drinking water infrastructure;
- $2 million for community-directed projects;
- $500,000 grant for economic development; and
- Ongoing support to the community through the Family Assistance Center and programs such as the Interim Value Assurance Program.
In other transportation safety news, as of 2 April 2023 major freight railroads must now maintain two-person crews on most routes, an idea first proposed by President Obama during his administration.
Links: www.federalregister.gov/... www.transportation.gov/...
Sources: www.justice.gov/… www.prnewswire.com/… thehiu.com/...