Norfolk Southern has pledged several million dollars to cover the costs of response and recovery in Pennsylvania after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in Ohio, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday.
Shapiro’s office said he met with Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw on Thursday and secured an initial commitment for financial assistance as the cleanup continues through February 3.
Norfolk Southern has made a similar pledge to Ohio, and the US Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the company to cover the cost of cleaning up 38 rail cars from the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
No one was hurt, but out of concern that the chemicals could explode, state and local officials approved the release and burning of toxic vinyl chloride from five tanker cars and half of East Palestine and the area around the Pennsylvania border. asked to vacate. Shapiro said Norfolk Southern would pay $5 million to reimburse fire departments for contaminated or damaged equipment and $1 million to Beaver and Lawrence counties to help business owners and residents whose livelihoods were damaged.
Shapiro said about $1.4 million would go to state agencies that responded, including setting up a health clinic for residents.
Shapiro’s office said it would push Norfolk Southern to cover any additional costs that accrue.
In Ohio, Norfolk Southern announced more than $1 million to replace fire equipment used in response to debris from the first fire, as well as $1 million to East Palestine and for evacuation costs for nearly 900 families and businesses Announced over $1.2 million.
The company has stated that it is “committed to coordinating the cleanup project and paying for its associated costs,” and seeks to ensure that the residents of East Palestine and the natural environment are restored.
Federal and state officials have repeatedly said it is safe for evacuated residents to return to the area and air tests in the town and inside hundreds of homes have not detected any levels of contaminants. However, some residents say they are still suffering from ailments almost a month later.