Ohio train derailment: EPA says it can fine Norfolk Southern $70,000 a day if it falls short of cleaning up East Palestine site
CNNFeb 22, 2023
On Thursday, the US National Transportation Safety Board issued its preliminary report on the train derailment that occurred outside East Palestine, Ohio. Authorities did not identify an exact cause of the derailment, however, they were able to identify an overheated wheel bearing on the locomotive.
On Feb. 3, 38 cars of a train transporting toxic chemicals derailed. As a result of the derailment, many cars caught fire and were eventually contained two days later; officials remained concerned that the cars carrying the toxic chemicals were still vulnerable to an explosion.
US government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency have stepped up to ensure that the residents of East Palestine and the affected area are treated fairly and that Norfolk Southern is held accountable. Norfolk Southern has been given a legally-binding order to pay for the cleanup and restoration. The company will also be held accountable for any health issues they've caused. Strong government action is holding Norfolk Southern accountable.
It's clear that officials and the media are not being transparent about how far this catastrophe reaches. Chemical spills this large have long-standing implications on life in the impacted area. Residents are experiencing headaches, rashes, nausea, and other discomforts and are feeling a disconnect between what they are feeling and what they are being told. Residents are demanding accountability and transparency as they navigate this devastating disaster and try to make health and safety decisions — right now, there is a major disconnect.