(File Photo: Source for Photo: A view of the scene Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Palestine, OH) A $600 million class action settlement is finally paying out more than three years after the Norfolk Southern train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3rd, 2023.

However, some residents say that the payout feels like a slap in the face. A Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine during that incident, dumping toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride into the community.

Those that were impacted could submit claims to get a piece of the awarded settlement, but not everyone is happy with the check amounts that were delivered this week. 

Direct payment checks were paid on a “per-household” basis and they were mailed on June 30th. The “per household” basis means that they all got reviewed and combined for just one check if multiple claims were submitted from the same house.  

According to the settlement website, people who disagree with their payment amount should review how their payment award got determined to better understand the process.

People can appeal this and you can call Epiq’s hotline by clicking here.