NS, partners mark progress on East Palestine training center
Norfolk Southern, Youngstown State University and federal, state and local partners in Ohio are advancing a regional resource designed to…
Making it Right
We remain committed to continuing the progress made in East Palestine and the surrounding communities as the area recovers and builds a stronger future.
30 Months of Progress
Since February 2023, Norfolk Southern and its contractors, working under the regulatory oversight of local, state and federal agencies, have been focused on restoring the derailment site and surrounding area to its pre-derailment condition. [Site restoration work was completed in September 2025 and work has moved into the monitoring phase.]
Site
XX,XXX sq mi
square mile cleanup and remediation site
groundwater
74M gallons
of water recovered and transported offsite
Waterways
5,200 feet
of impacted waterways flushed
drinking water
2,028 wells
drinking water wells sampled
soil
240,346 tons
of waste soil removed
air quality
## Days
air quality tests completed
Site Progress: Ongoing and Measurable
From soil treatment to infrastructure upgrades, we’re completing projects that restore safety and build resilience for the future.
$115M+ in Community Support
We’re helping families, businesses, and the community move forward — together.
11,000+ Family Visits
Each visit represents a family supported by our assistance center since 2023.
$600 Million Settlement Fund
For more information on the latest with the settlement:
Total Commitment to the Task
We remain in East Palestine, committed to helping the community recover and thrive.
Federal & State Oversight
All work continues under direct supervision of federal, state, and local officials, ensuring comprehensive accountability.
Community Partnership
Regular engagement with residents and businesses to identify needs and provide targeted support where requested.
Long-term Monitoring
Ongoing environmental monitoring and health assessments to ensure safety and peace of mind.
Economic Recovery
Supporting local businesses and economic development to help the community rebuild stronger than before.
What’s Next
After the East Palestine derailment, we made a promise to the community to restore the area to its pre-derailment condition. Through years of work, we’ve held true to that pledge, and it remains our guiding principle as we move into the monitoring phase of recovery work.
Surface Water & Groundwater Monitoring
Surface water and groundwater sampling and monitoring for Derailment-Associated Materials will continue periodically on a to be defined basis (likely quarterly or monthly) for 10 years under the supervision of the Ohio/US EPA.
Private Well Monitoring
Private well drinking water monitoring will be covered by a $15 million fund established by Norfolk Southern to fund 10 years of monitoring conducted by Columbiana County Health District and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
If monitoring detects any exceedances of Derailment-Related Materials, Norfolk Southern will work with the EPA to determine the most effective method for mitigation.
Site Progress: 7 Day Lookahead
Updated: Sept 29, 2025
Site Activities
- Site restoration activities are complete, and the associated particulate air monitoring has concluded in accordance with approved plans. Demobilization of equipment and work trailers continues, and efforts will be made to not interfere with Village traffic.
- Sitewide surface water, groundwater, sediments, and drinking water monitoring, including activities in the East End, continues per the schedules defined in the associated work plans.
Sulphur and Leslie Run Activities
- Data from the March/April 2025 stream reassessment were reported to EPA on June 20. No human health risks related to the derailment were identified in surface water in the two previous assessments performed in 2024.
- The final stream sheen assessment, including sediment sampling, is complete for both Leslie and Sulphur Runs. The results of this final sheen assessment indicate achievement of the work plan goals with no apparent derailment related sheens remaining on either stream. The details for previously completed mitigation activities, and the results of final stream sheen assessment and sediment sampling are being compiled and will be reported to EPA in the coming weeks.
Regulatory Oversight
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Columbiana County General Health District
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA)
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)
- United States Department of the Interior (DOI)
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
News & Updates
Stay informed about our ongoing progress and community developments
Norfolk Southern, State of Ohio, Village of East Palestine, Youngstown State University Partner to Secure Long-Term Success of East Palestine First Responders Training Center
Site Update: 11/21/25
Site Activities: Site restoration activities are complete including demobilization of equipment and temporary work trailers. Crews may be on-site infrequently to perform periodic maintenance. …
New Pickleball and Tennis Courts Now Open at East Palestine Park
The Morning Journal published a story highlighting major progress in the $25 million East Palestine Park project, including the opening…
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions or need support, please reach out anytime:
Contact Information
Norfolk Southern Police Emergency
Media Contact
Helpful links for more information and resources:
© 2025 Norfolk Southern Corp. All Rights Reserved.