EPA requires Norfolk Southern to conduct all cleanup actions in Ohio

The Environmental Protection Agency ordered Norfolk Southern to conduct "all necessary actions" associated with the cleanup from the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment. As part of EPA’s legally binding order, Norfolk Southern will be required to: Identify and clean up contaminated soil and water resources; Reimburse EPA for cleaning services to be offered to residents and businesses to provide an additional layer of reassurance, which will be conducted by EPA staff and contractors; Attend and participate in public meetings at EPA’s request and post information online; Pay for EPA’s costs for work performed under this order. As part of the order, EPA will approve a workplan outlining all steps necessary to clean up the environmental damage caused by the derailment. "If the company fails to complete any actions as ordered by EPA, the Agency will immediately step in, conduct the necessary work, and then seek to compel Norfolk Southern to pay triple the cost," the agency said in a statement. "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," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. "Let me be clear: Norfolk Southern will pay for cleaning up the mess they created and for the trauma they’ve inflicted on this community."