Norfolk Southern, the company involved in an Ohio train derailment and chemical spill, has agreed to a $310 million settlement with the US government. The settlement aims to cover cleanup costs for contaminated air, water, and soil in East Palestine, where the derailment occurred in February 2023, causing a fire and toxic fumes that killed thousands of animals and displaced residents. Additionally, Norfolk Southern reached a $600 million class-action settlement with town residents. The settlement, subject to court approval, requires the company to address long-term environmental monitoring, provide mental health services for residents, and enhance rail safety measures, while also paying a $15 million civil penalty for Clean Water Act violations. Although some politicians expressed concerns about the settlement’s adequacy, it marks a significant step towards compensating affected communities and improving safety measures.
