The Justice Department has filed a major civil suit against the Norfolk Southern Railway for a train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3, releasing hazardous materials such as vinyl chloride, oil, and fuel additives into the air, soil and water. U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken control of the cleanup and is seeking to hold Norfolk Southern financially responsible for the cleanup costs through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund). The company has provided $27.9 million to the East Palestine Community, but the cleanup is expected to cost far more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also investigated the potential health effects of the crash, as reports of nausea and rashes surfaced after the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration have launched reviews of the railway safety record and Ohio Senators have introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the safety standards for railroads. The Justice Department has alleged that Norfolk Southern creates incentives for executives to cut safety and maintenance spending in favor of increasing returns, citing the company’s annual reports showing that as much as 80 percent of executives’ pay is tied to performance. Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw has been questioned by two Senate committees on this issue.
The EPA has overseen the shipment of 9.2 million gallons of wastewater and 13,000 tons of solid waste from the site, while the Justice Department seeks an injunction establishing Norfolk Southern's financial responsibility for the cleanup. Norfolk Southern has stated that they will cover the costs. This event highlights the importance of enforcing safety regulations in order to prevent such disasters and to ensure that companies are held accountable for their actions.