Metro Detroit man sues Norfolk Southern over toxic waste dumping in Michigan
(CBS DETROIT) - On Feb. 3, A Norfolk Southern train carrying vinyl chloride derailed, causing several cars to burst into flames.
The toxic chemicals were dispersed into the air and contaminated the ground and water in East Palestine, Ohio.
"It's unfair and unreasonable to expect and to trust Norfolk Southern in their handling of these materials," said Michael Jaafar, the attorney representing Hussein Darwiche.
Jaafar said Darwiche decided to file the lawsuit after learning about Norfolk Southern's decision to dump toxic waste at the Republic Service deep well injection site in Romulus.
In addition, Jaafar said it was worrisome that the proper authorities were never notified about the toxic waste that was transported from East Palestine, Ohio.
"In the statements we read, even the injection well site, Republic Services didn't even know the stuff was being shipped," Jaafar said.
He also pointed out that Republic Services in Romulus has had trouble with regulators in the past.
"They have a checkered past and are under investigation by the authorities, but even if it's is the best facility possible, let's just assume they are, and they are not, why transport the materials more than three and a half hours away from the actual site," he said.
According to a spokeperson for Republic Services, the company was aware of the shipment of toxic chemicals being transported from East Palestine, Ohio to its deep well injection site in Romulus.
"We were aware of the material from the East Palestine train derailment site and were in communication with EGLE regarding these shipments," said Roman Blahoski, Director, External Communications with Republic Services.
Additionally, Blahoski said the facility was purchased by Republic in 2019 and stated he believes any previous outstanding issues surrounding the Romulus deep well injection site have been resolved. In addition, Blahoski says the company has resolved any open or pending issues raised by state regulators .
Jaafar said the purpose of the lawsuit remains about safety and not about any financial compensation.
"We made it very clear, when we filed this lawsuit, was merely for an injunction to stop materials from being transported to Michigan."