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The city of East Palestine, Ohio, has announced a $22 million settlement with Norfolk Southern Corporation to resolve all claims stemming from the February 2023 train derailment that spilled hazardous materials and sparked widespread environmental and safety concerns.
Some shit you should know before you read: Back in February 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride, and prompting an emergency response that included a controversial controlled burn, which released a massive plume of toxic fumes. While health officials, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have repeatedly stated that the air and water in the area are safe, many residents continue to report lingering health issues such as rashes, respiratory problems, and other unexplained symptoms. Local Facebook groups, including “East Palestine Off the Rails,” have become hubs for residents to share stories of ongoing health struggles and visible injuries, fueling concerns that the chemical exposure may have long-term effects.

What’s going on now: In a joint announcement released by the City of East Palestine and Norfolk Southern Corporation, the two parties revealed a $22 million settlement to resolve all claims by the city related to the train derailment. The settlement also acknowledges $13.5 million previously spent by Norfolk Southern to fund projects like replacing police and fire vehicles, upgrading the water treatment plant, and restoring the East Palestine train depot. Norfolk Southern has also pledged $25 million to improve East Palestine City Park, while also transferring 15 acres of land, originally designated for a safety training center, back to the city for other community uses.
Separate from the city’s settlement, Norfolk Southern also agreed to a larger $600 million settlement to compensate residents impacted by the derailment. This fund addresses claims filed by more than 55,000 residents, providing up to $70,000 per household for property damage and up to $25,000 per person for health-related issues for those living within a 2-mile radius of the derailment site.
Roughly 370 households and 47 businesses opted out of the settlement, preserving their right to pursue individual legal claims. Of the $600 million, $162 million was allocated to legal fees, with an additional $18 million designated for expenses, per the judge’s ruling.