Norfolk Southern will pay $310 million to settle claims and investigations linked to a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. 

The railroad announced the deal on May 23, as part of a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of the Interior. The agreement is still pending federal court approval, but it would cover civil penalties, clean-up of the derailment site, ongoing monitoring of ground and surface water, medical care for residents in the area of the derailment, and new safety infrastructure. 

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In February of 2023, nearly 40 cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, pouring millions of pounds of hazardous chemicals into the land, air and water and sparking a toxic fire that lasted for days. Nearby residents and businesses were temporarily displaced as far as 20 miles from the site of the crash, while many in the area reported a variety of health problems stemming from the spill. The railroad says that the latest settlement is part of a bid to "make things right for the residents of East Palestine and the surrounding areas," Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said after announcing the payout.  

"We are pleased we were able to reach a timely resolution of these investigations that recognizes our comprehensive response to the community's needs and our mission to be the gold standard of safety in the rail industry," Shaw added. "We will continue keeping our promises and are invested in the community's future for the long-haul."

Norfolk Southern has also paid out an additional $780 million for environmental response efforts since the derailment, as well as $600 million for a class action settlement in April.