Norfolk Southern, one of the largest railroad companies in the United States, is facing a lawsuit from the Department of Justice (DOJ) over an incident that occurred in Ohio in 2019. The incident involved a derailment of a train carrying hazardous materials, which caused a fire and forced the evacuation of nearby residents.
The DOJ alleges that Norfolk Southern violated the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act by allowing hazardous materials to spill into a nearby river and failing to report the spill in a timely manner. The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and injunctive relief to prevent future violations.
The incident occurred on December 12, 2019, when a Norfolk Southern train derailed near the village of Attica, Ohio. The train was carrying ethanol and other hazardous materials, which caught fire and caused an explosion. The fire burned for several days, and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.
The DOJ alleges that Norfolk Southern failed to take adequate measures to prevent the derailment and subsequent spill. The company also allegedly failed to report the spill to the National Response Center within the required timeframe, which delayed the response and cleanup efforts.
The lawsuit is a reminder of the importance of safety measures and proper reporting procedures in the transportation of hazardous materials. The Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act are designed to protect the environment and public health from the harmful effects of spills and other incidents.
Norfolk Southern has stated that it is committed to safety and environmental stewardship, and that it will work with the DOJ to resolve the matter. The company has also taken steps to improve its safety procedures and response capabilities in the wake of the incident.
The lawsuit highlights the need for continued vigilance and accountability in the transportation of hazardous materials. Companies must take all necessary precautions to prevent incidents and promptly report any spills or other incidents to minimize their impact on the environment and public health. The DOJ’s action serves as a reminder that violations of environmental laws will not be tolerated and that companies will be held accountable for their actions.
