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The EPA is taking charge of the toxic E. Palestine cleanup -- and making Norfolk Southern pay for it
The Environmental Protection Agency told Norfolk Southern to takeall available measures to clean up contaminated air and water
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2023/02/21/east-palestine-train-epa-toxic-cleanip/stories/202302210087
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Federal environmental regulators on Tuesday took charge of the cleanup from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and chemical burn and ordered Norfolk Southern to foot the bill.
The Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] told Norfolk Southern to take all available measures to clean up contaminated air and water, and also said the company would be required to reimburse the federal government for a new program to provide cleaning services for impacted residents and businesses.
The EPA warned Norfolk Southern that if failed to comply with its order, the agency would perform the work itself and seek triple damages from the company. Also Tuesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared at a press conference at the site and said he had made a criminal referral against the railroad to the attorney general’s office. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said that state is doing a similar investigation.
“The Norfolk Southern train derailment has upended the lives of East Palestine families, and EPA’s order will ensure the company is held accountable for jeopardizing the health and safety of this community,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement ahead of a news conference with the governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] told Norfolk Southern to take all available measures to clean up contaminated air and water, and also said the company would be required to reimburse the federal government for a new program to provide cleaning services for impacted residents and businesses.
The EPA warned Norfolk Southern that if failed to comply with its order, the agency would perform the work itself and seek triple damages from the company. Also Tuesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared at a press conference at the site and said he had made a criminal referral against the railroad to the attorney general’s office. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said that state is doing a similar investigation.
“The Norfolk Southern train derailment has upended the lives of East Palestine families, and EPA’s order will ensure the company is held accountable for jeopardizing the health and safety of this community,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement ahead of a news conference with the governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
- more at link -
In a separate story Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (who doesn't speak for the EPA) has called for safety improvements among all railroad operators, for example accelerating the planned upgrade of tank cars.
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