The civil complaint follows a lawsuit filed by the state of Ohio.
The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection agency have filed a complaint against Norfolk Southern for the train derailment that spilled hazardous chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio.
The civil complaint, announced Friday, is seeking “penalties and injunctive relief for the unlawful discharge of pollutants, oil and hazardous substances under the Clean Water Act.” The complaint also seeks declaratory judgment for past and future costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
“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 in the news release announcing the complaint. “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.”
In the East Palestine derailment, on Feb. 3, 38 cars of a 151-car train derailed and 12 others caught on fire.
