US EPA seeks comment on proposed settlement from 2020 BNSF derailment
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to fine BNSF Railway $191,000 as part of a settlement for a Jan. 1, 2020, derailment that led to a spill of more than 3,400 gallons of diesel fuel into the Kootenai River near Katka, Idaho.
The proposed settlement of a violation of the Clean Waters Act notes that a northbound train hit a rockslide, sending the lead locomotive (C44-9W No. 4347) into the river and derailing two other locomotives and several cars. [See “BNSF main line still closed …,” Trains.com, , with approximately 3,470 gallons of fuel leaking from No. 4347’s ruptured fuel tank. The settlement document notes that the railroad promptly reported the fuel spill and undertook containment and mitigation measures.
The EPA on Tuesday (Oct. 21, 2025) issued a public notice of the proposed settlement and is seeking comment by Nov. 19. The notice includes details on how to comment.