For Immediate Release:
Friday, March 10, 2023
Contact: Tim Cywinski, Communications Manager
(540) 272-5358, tim.cywinski@sierraclub.org
Virginia Sierra Club Statement on DEQ Fine of Norfolk Southern over Coal Freight Train Derailment in Roanoke County
Norfolk Southern deserves a punishments that will deter future violations.
Roanoke, Va – The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recently released a proposal regarding its enforcement action against Norfolk Southern for the company's 2020 coal railcar derailment in Roanoke county of 26 cars, 16 of them falling into the Roanoke river. The train derailment resulted in at least 1,349 tons of coal spilling into the Roanoke River which forced the Salem Water Plant to halt intake for 31 days over water contamination concerns. DEQ’s enforcement order requires Norfolk Southern to pay a paltry amount of $27,300 for the derailment.
In response to the lackluster fine, Ann Creasy, Deputy Director of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter:
There’s no accountability for Norfolk Southern without a punishment that is severe enough to deter future violations. The agreed-upon amount doesn’t even come close to covering the tax-payer money spent on repairing the damage. DEQ’s toothless fine to Norfolk Southern implies Virginia’s oversight agencies will allow negligent endangerment of the health of Roanoke’s families without consequence.
The Virginia Chapter’s official comment to DEQ on the enforcement order can be found here.
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The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is a grassroots-driven organization that advocates for a Virginia where all people may enjoy our natural treasures, access clean air and water, and thrive in a healthy community. At over 20,000 members strong, we coordinate action to promote climate solutions and oppose projects and policies that put the interests of polluters above the needs of communities. The Virginia Chapter aims to achieve a livable future for all through an inclusive, justice-centered movement.