Maryland settles with CSX over coal explosion

The Maryland Department of the Environment has settled with CSX over a coal explosion by sending $100K to Curtis Bay nonprofit. The incident occurred in Baltimore’s Curtis Bay neighborhood last December. An amount of 15,000 dollars will be paid by CSX to the state and a local nonprofit. In addition, the South Baltimore Community Land Trust will receive $100,000 for an environmental project. CSX will be all set to make several improvements at the Baltimore facility. It will be counted as a part of the settlement, which will further resolve the civil claims of the state. There will be no litigation against the company.

• The damage from the explosion will make Maryland settle with CSX
• Transforming the property at 1601 Locust St. into an energy-efficient building
• Land Trust to spend more than 5000 dollars submitting to the state

The effect of the explosion on the neighborhood led to the settlement

News revealed that the settlement was done “because of the effect of the explosion on the neighborhood and the long-standing environmental injustices affecting Curtis Bay residents.” Indeed, this settlement to the community group is an unusual step. The Land Trust has decided to rehabilitate a blighted vacant property situated on the main Street of Curtis Bay for environmental education and research. Also, it moves towards purchasing and maintaining an electric van that will transport the local students to the center. The CSX money will also serve as an Environmental Justice and Zero Waste Fund to “address the urgent health and environmental crises.”

Maryland News

CSX undertook improvements.

The blast did occur due to the build-up of methane inside the tunnel at the facility with gases like carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. CSX failed to take reasonable precautions to restrict the explosion. The settlement was made “without any admission of the alleged violations by CSX.” CSX spokesperson Sheriee Bowman said the company “continues to work closely with federal and state regulators to prevent a similar incident from reoccurring.” CSX will also work towards improving airflow inside the tunnel, installing a fixed gas detection system that shall monitor for methane. It shall even install metal skirts around the conveyor and water sprays. Further, it would coordinate with the city’s fire department and Office of Emergency Management within 90 days to “improve emergency response and notification procedures and obtain regular training opportunities for its staff to carry out such procedures.”

References:
https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/environment/bs-md-csx-settlement-mde-20221228-7xvh2mrjbva4bctmzep67t4cfi-story.html