(NEWSnet/AP) — The federal government agreed to a $15 million fine for Norfolk Southern in the 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
The railroad promised to pay more than $300 million to enhance safety and address community health concerns.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice announced the agreement Thursday. It does not include any criminal charges.
This federal settlement comes two days after a federal judge approved a $600 million class action agreement.
In addition to the civil penalty, Norfolk Southern agreed to reimburse EPA an additional $57 million in response costs and set up a $25 million health care fund to pay for 20 years of medical exams in the community. The railroad will also pay $25 million to $30 million for long-term monitoring of drinking water and groundwater.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the fine is the largest allowed under Clean Water Act, and the railroad agreed to continue paying all the cleanup cost.