U.S. Department of Justice sues Norfolk Southern, claiming Clean Water Act violations

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed suit against Norfolk Southern over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.

The lawsuit filed Thursday on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims the company unlawfully discharged pollutants and hazardous materials in the aftermath of the Feb. 3 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

The complaint seeks penalties and an injunctive relief for unlawful discharge of hazardous materials under the Clean Water Act, a press release from the U.S. EPA stated.

The complaint also claims the company is liable for past and future costs related to the derailment under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The company is already under a Unilateral Administrative Order from the U.S. EPA requiring it to develop and implement cleanup plans and pay the U.S. EPA for costs related to the cleanup.