By Meridith Edwards, Holly Yan, and Nouran Salahieh, CNN
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is ordering Norfolk Southern to handle all necessary cleanup after its train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, more than two weeks ago.
The agency said it intends to force Norfolk Southern to pay and if it falls short, the company will be significantly fined, the agency said.
If the company fails to complete any actions as ordered by EPA, the agency will immediately step in, conduct the necessary work and then seek to compel Norfolk Southern to pay triple the cost, the agency said.
The EPA said it will exercise its strongest authority against the train’s operator under CERCLA – the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
Related:
What to know about the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio
Ohio train derailment fact check: What’s true and what’s false?
The announcement came shortly after EPA Administrator Michael Regan visited an East Palestine home, drank the tap water with Gov. Mike DeWine and updated the community on the government’s response.
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