East Palestine, Ohio has reached a $22 million settlement with Norfolk Southern concerning the devastating train derailment that occurred in February 2023. This settlement aims to resolve all outstanding claims from the village arising from the incident, which resulted in the spill of toxic chemicals but thankfully did not cause any fatalities.

According to a joint announcement from the village and Norfolk Southern, the settlement is intended to address local priorities identified in response to the derailment and recognizes that Norfolk Southern has already disbursed approximately $13.5 million for upgrades to vital infrastructure, including the water treatment plant and essential public safety equipment AP News and LA Times.

The derailment involved an incident where eleven rail cars carrying hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, went off track. In efforts to prevent a potential explosion, local officials conducted a controlled burn, releasing a significant plume of smoke into the atmosphere. Subsequently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that Norfolk Southern cover cleanup costs under the Superfund law, leading to a separate $310 million settlement reached last May The Hill.

As part of the new settlement, both parties agreed that the proposed $20 million regional safety training center will not be built. Norfolk Southern will transfer about 15 acres of land previously allocated for the center to the village, which will determine its future use. Meanwhile, the railroad remains committed to providing training for local first responders at alternative facilities LA Times.

This agreement comes amid additional legal actions, where some residents are contesting a larger $600 million settlement connected to the crash due to concerns over contamination. This request is currently before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, further adding complexity to the ongoing legal landscape surrounding the derailment AP News.

In conclusion, this settlement marks a critical step in addressing the aftermath of the East Palestine derailment, as Norfolk Southern faces scrutiny not only from local residents but also from broader regulatory entities concerning railroad safety.