14 Non-Profits to Share Money From Norfolk Southern Corp.

14 non-profit organizations in and around McKean County will share the $100,000 that was part of the sentence against Norfolk Southern Corporation for a trail derailment and hazardous materials spill in June of 2006.

The train derailed near the village of Gardeau and spilled 42,000 of lye into Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek, causing millions of dollars worth of damage and killing more than 100,000 fish. In November of 2007, Norfolk Southern pleaded guilty to violations of the Solid Waste Management Act. In addition to the $100,000 announced today, the company was also sentenced to pay of $150,000 fine to the state DEP Solid Waste Abatement Fund.


In September of 2008, the operator of the train, Michael Seifert of West Seneca, New York, pled guilty to a felony violation of the Solid Waste Management Act and was sentenced to serve one to two years in prison plus two years of probation, and ordered to perform 600 hours of community service.

Organizations receving money are:

Seneca Chapter Trout Unlimited, located in Port Allegany, will receive $10,000 for stream improvement projects, such as stream bank erosion control.

PA Cleanways of McKean County, located in Smethport, will receive $10,000 to focus on cleaning up illegal dumps and removing trash from streams in McKean County.

McKean County Conservation District, located in Smethport, will receive $10,000 to aid in the development, improvement and conservation of McKean County's soil, water and related resources. The money will also go to educate the community in various conservation and environmental practices and methods.

Port Allegany Fire Department will receive $7,500. Port Allegheny Fire Department was one of the first responders at the derailment site.

Norwich Township Fire Department will receive $7,500. Norwich Township Fire Department was one of the first responders at the derailment site.

Bradford Township Fire Department will receive $7,500. Bradford Township Fire Department was one of the first responders at the derailment site.

McKean County Emergency Services will receive $7,500. McKean County EMS was one of the first responders at the derailment site.

Cameron County Emergency Services will receive $7,500. Cameron County EMS was one of the first responders at the derailment site.

Elk County Emergency Services will receive $7,500. Elk County EMS was one of the first responders at the derailment site.

Port Allegany Ambulance will receive $5,000. Port Allegheny Ambulance was one of the first responders at the derailment site.

Kinzua Fish and Wildlife Association, located in Kane, will receive $5,000 to aid in stocking and improving fish and aquatic habitats in the Allegheny Reservoir.

Hazelhurst Fishing for Kids Club, located in Hazelhurst, will receive $5,000 to stock their trout hatchery.

Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project will receive $5,000 to provide environmental crimes enforcement training.

American Red Cross - McKean-Potter Counties Chapter, located in Bradford, will receive $5,000 to help fund its disaster relief efforts.

(Photos provided by the state attorney general's office.)