OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF will pay a $1.5 million settlement to the Environmental Protection Agency over a 2018 derailment that led to an Iowa oil spill, the Associated Press reports.
About 160,000 gallons of oil reached floodwaters near Doon, Iowa, in June 2018 after heavy rains washed out a BNSF line and flooded the Little Rock River, leading to the derailment of a train bound from Canada to Stroud, Okla. The EPA said the spill violated federal water regulations; BNSF denied fault, with both parties saying they agreed to the settlement to avoid costly litigation.
Bogard said above, interesting: Just like one U.S. Senator wants disaster aid to states be TAKEN FROM Aid going to Foreign countries. Why not take care of self before others?
I am curious how the previous administration would take care of this. These “gubmint agencies” are NOT elected officials. Yet they have such power but no recourse to correct “over powering moves” that hurt citizens and private enterprise.
Oh, by the way. Seems when the Department of Energy was created long ago, we were in a bind and the agency was to get us energy independent. How has that worked? (It did when EPA was told to stand down)
Pinckney says it well. This an “act of God” and unless homeowners are derelict, insurance covers damages. You better believe barge traffic will have the Corps of Engineers to pay for any corrections needed on river ways. Same for airports
That’s $9.375 per gallon exhortation payment to make EPA “go away” for an issue beyond BNSF’s control.
The EPA uses the threat of very large civil penalties to circumvent the right to due process and extort a smaller, yet painful penalty from the victim. BNSF in this case here. A Prior administration was on track correcting this behavior.
Hmmm… BNSF gets punished for something beyond its control. Perhaps BNSF would be wise to permanently abandon the shipment of petroleum products on its lines. Maybe other railroads would be equally wise to follow suit. Let the EPA transport hazardous materials.