DOJ sues Norfolk Southern over Ohio derailment and cleanup could take 2 years.
The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern over environmental damage caused by a train derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border that spilled hazardous chemicals into nearby creeks and rivers. The government is seeking fines under the Clean Water Act and a judgment to hold the railroad accountable for past and future costs. The derailment led to the evacuation of half of the 5,000 residents of East Palestine when responders intentionally burned toxic chemicals in some of the derailed cars to prevent an uncontrolled explosion.