East Palestine community update on environmental monitoring, assistance - Feb. 15

Rhea-AI Summary

Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) has updated its community assistance initiatives for East Palestine, Ohio, as of February 14, 2023. The company has conducted over 400 in-home air tests in collaboration with the EPA, reporting no health risks from the incident. They have also established a $1 million fund for community support and distributed $1.5 million in financial aid to over 1,000 families. Furthermore, the geographic area eligible for reimbursements has been expanded to include all residents within the 44413 zip code. The comprehensive air and drinking water monitoring efforts indicate safe conditions for the community.

Positive

• Completed more than 400 in-home air tests with no health risks found.
• Distributed over $1.5 million in financial assistance to more than 1,000 families.
• Established a $1 million fund to support community recovery efforts.
• Expanded the area eligible for reimbursements to include all residents in the 44413 zip code.

Negative

• None.

Norfolk Southern expands geographic area eligible for reimbursements

ATLANTA, Feb. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today provided an update on environmental monitoring and community assistance for the Village of East Palestine, Ohio. Norfolk Southern is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the community and to help the community recover and thrive. As of the evening of February 14, Norfolk Southern has:

• Completed more than 400 in-home air tests in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other governmental agencies. In-home air monitoring has not detected substances related to the incident and does not indicate health risks.
• Implemented an extensive outdoor air monitoring program in the community. Thousands of data points have been collected, which continue to indicate no risk to health from incident-related substances. Air monitoring is also being conducted in the broader region outside of the Village of East Palestine.
• Actively sampling the Village of East Palestine's drinking water supply wells, drinking water system, and private wells in areas potentially impacted by the incident.
• Distributed over $1.5 million in direct financial assistance to more than 1,000 families and a number of businesses to cover costs related to the evacuation. Those include reimbursements and cash advancements for lodging, travel, food, clothes, and other related items.
• Established a $1 million fund available immediately to the community.

After a further review of areas affected by the evacuation orders and following discussions with East Palestine leaders, the company announced today that it is expanding the geographic area eligible for reimbursements for costs and inconvenience related to evacuating the region. All East Palestine residents in the 44413 zip code are now eligible. Residents should bring proof of residency with them to the Family Assistance Center.

Those in need of assistance should visit the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center at Abundant Life Church located 46469 State Route 46, New Waterford, Ohio, or call 1-800-230-7049. Residents who want air and water testing should contact the Residential Re-Entry Request Hotline at (330) 849-3919. If residents have further questions or concerns, they may call the CTEH Taggart Road Hotline at (234) 542-6474 to speak with a toxicologist.

This progress follows an announcement yesterday that the company is creating a $1 million fund to be available immediately as one component of its planned support for the community. The fund will supplement other efforts to support residents, businesses, and first responders, which include:

• Reimbursing the East Palestine Fire Department $220,000 to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs, which allow firefighters to breathe compressed air when responding to fires.
• Providing more than 100 air purifiers for residents to use in their homes. Air purifiers are also being purchased for the East Palestine municipal building in coordination with the City Manager.
• Coordinating and funded cleaning and air monitoring services for the East Palestine Elementary and High Schools.

About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/east-palestine-community-update-on-environmental-monitoring-assistance--feb-15-301747907.html

SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation

FAQ

What financial assistance has Norfolk Southern provided to East Palestine residents?

Norfolk Southern has distributed over $1.5 million in financial assistance to more than 1,000 families in East Palestine.

When was the community assistance update for East Palestine released?

The update was released on February 15, 2023.

What is the significance of the $1 million fund announced by Norfolk Southern?

The $1 million fund is aimed at supporting community recovery efforts in East Palestine.

What air quality measures has Norfolk Southern implemented in East Palestine?

Norfolk Southern completed over 400 in-home air tests and implemented extensive outdoor air monitoring, with no health risks detected.

How has Norfolk Southern expanded reimbursement eligibility for residents?

The company has expanded reimbursement eligibility to include all residents of East Palestine within the 44413 zip code.