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DEP Reaches Agreement with Norfolk Southern To Complete Spill Site Cleanup in McKlean County

Project to Restore Soils, Wetlands, Aquatic Life to Designated Uses

MEADVILLE – The Department of Environmental Protection and Norfolk Southern have signed an agreement that authorizes Norfolk Southern to complete restoration work at the site of a sodium hydroxide spill in Norwich Township, McKean County. The spill was the result of a train derailment on June 30, 2006.

Under the agreement — which does not resolve the nearly $8.9 million in penalties DEP assessed the company in October — Norfolk Southern will restore vegetation along the creek banks and wetland areas and redirect a section of Big Fill Run back into a natural stream channel. The diversion allowed soil excavation and other remedial work to take place at the derailment site.

“This agreement demonstrates a spirit of cooperation between DEP and Norfolk Southern that allows both parties to set aside our legal dispute and expedite environmental restoration,” DEP Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “Both entities worked very hard to reach this agreement so that the re-vegetation project could take advantage of the growing season. The agreement also ensures that the work will be done appropriately, as the restoration work will be monitored for five years.”

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