BALTIMORE — Residents of Curtis Bay have until Thursday, July 18, to file claims for a share of the $1.75 million settlement arising from the 2021 coal terminal explosion. The event occurred at the North Reclaim Tunnel in December 2021, which, while not resulting in injuries, left the neighborhood enveloped in coal dust.
This settlement is a result of a class action lawsuit targeted at addressing the aftermath of the explosion, which officials state was triggered by methane accumulation. Eligibility to claim part of the settlement is confined to individuals residing within the defined affected area at the time of the incident. The specified zone includes areas ranging from near Benjamin Franklin High School to Bay Avenue, extending east to Curtis Avenue.
CSX Transportation, responsible for the operation of the facility where the explosion occurred, issued a statement reflecting on the incident. They emphasized that the Curtis Bay coal pier has operated for over 140 years without such incidents, expressed gratitude that there were no injuries, and highlighted their committed investment in improving operational safety standards and environmental controls at the facility.
Long-standing Curtis Bay residents have expressed disillusionment, stating that the settlement cannot compensate for the ongoing anxiety and loss of security. Angela Shaneyfelt, a local resident, voiced concerns about whether any financial compensation could adequately address the damage to the community’s sense of safety.
Adding to the community’s unrest, protests have emerged, with demonstrators recently marching to a CSX pier to demand the shutdown of the facility. David Jones, one of the protestors, criticized local governance, suggesting that financial gains are being prioritized over community health and safety.
The settlement proceedings are ongoing, with a federal judge set to review the terms in a hearing scheduled for September. In the interim, state regulators are preparing to release a draft permit for public review, following a temporary suspension after the nearby Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
The incident has stirred a broader conversation about industrial safety and environmental impacts in residential areas, with community members calling for more stringent oversight and accountability for industrial operations adjacent to residential zones. As Curtis Bay seeks to recover and ensure such an incident is not repeated, the settlement marks a crucial step toward addressing the community’s concerns and ensuring a safer environment moving forward.