EPA takes control of East Palestine derailment, orders Norfolk Southern to pay for cleanup

An EPA agent helps clean up in East Palestine, Ohio.
(Image credit: Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that it would be taking control of the cleanup of an East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment. The agency additionally ordered rail operator Norfolk Southern to pay for all associated costs.

In a press release, the EPA said it had issued a legally binding order requiring Norfolk Southern to "identify and clean up contaminated soil and water resources," and would also have to reimburse the agency "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."

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As the cleanup began, residents of East Palestine were forced to evacuate the town. While most have since returned, CNN reports that numerous health problems are being seen, "from rashes to nausea to trouble breathing."

Norfolk Southern had previously committed to paying for the cost of the cleanup, even as the Biden administration said it was considering civil penalties for the accident. In a statement sent to Bloomberg, the company said it was "committed to thoroughly and safely cleaning the site," while "reimbursing residents for the disruption this has caused in their lives."

However, it seems officials did not buy Norfolk Southern's promise. At a press conference Tuesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) — whose state's border is located just a mile from East Palestine — stood with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), along with EPA officials, and pledged to continue holding the company accountable.

Justin Klawans, The Week US

Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.