Ohio train derailment: Justice Department suing Norfolk Southern over February derailment

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern for the derailment of a train carrying hazardous materials near East Palestine, Ohio, last month. The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Ohio, asserting that Norfolk Southern unlawfully polluted waterways in the area via the discharge of the hazardous materials that were on the train.

The civil action, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, is seeking injunctive relief, cost recovery, and civil penalties for the pollution to the various waterways that were affected as a result of the derailment. This legal action looks to ensure the rail company will be held liable for the environmental disaster, even though Norfolk Southern has previously vowed to pay for the cleanup of the derailment and the surrounding area.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also announced a lawsuit earlier this month, accusing Norfolk Southern of violating various federal and state laws. In addition, the Ohio Department of Health recently announced that it would begin offering blood and urine testing, along with physical exams, to first responders who worked to clean up the derailed trains and the hazardous materials.

The East Palestine derailment occurred on Feb. 3 and involved 20 cars carrying hazardous materials, of which 11 derailed and caused environmental and safety concerns in the surrounding rural area.