By Justin Franz

The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sued Norfolk Southern on Friday, alleging that the railroad had violated the Clear Air Act when one of its trains derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in February, spilling chemicals and sparking a massive fire. 

The suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Ohio, comes after the EPA announced in February that it would force NS to pick up the tab for all cleanup efforts related to the Feb. 3, derailment of train 32N. 

“When a Norfolk Southern train derailed last month in East Palestine, Ohio, it released toxins into the air, soil, and water, endangering the health and safety of people in surrounding communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “With this complaint, the Justice Department and the EPA are acting to pursue justice for the residents of East Palestine and ensure that Norfolk Southern carries the financial burden for the harm it has caused and continues to inflict on the community.” 

Since the derailment, NS contractors have removed 9.2 million gallons of liquid wastewater and an estimated 12,932 tons of contaminated soils and solids from the site.