EAST PALESTINE — The replacement settlement administrator now in charge of handling claims regarding the $600 million settlement between Norfolk Southern and those who lived or worked within 20 miles of the 2023 train derailment are asking that any claim-related questions be emailed to Epiq’s email address until the old emailing can be transferred.

Instructions on the eastpalestinetrainsettlement.com ask that questions now be directed to info_EpiqAdministrator@epiqglobal.com as emails sent to info@eastpalestinetrainsettlement.com may be returned as undeliverable.

“We will update the website once this is resolved,” an update on the website explained.

Epiq replaced Kroll on June 11 when federal Judge Benita Pearson ordered Kroll off the case at the request of class co-counsel who charged that the former settlement administrator had overpaid some class members.

Kroll has been in the hot seat for months following a series of missteps that class members say include missing paperwork, no record of claims filed, a protracted process of getting payments out and denying those who according to settlement terms were eligible for personal injury payments.

The settlement website was created by Kroll but has since been turned over to Epiq under Pearon’s order. Pearson ordered Kroll to fully cooperate with Epiq in transferring all responsibilities, including handing over control of the website, email, phone number and any and all related information and documents within five to 10 days. Kroll will also undergo an audit.

Epiq asked for patience during that process.

“Epiq, as substitute settlement administrator, is working closely with class counsel to process any submitted defect responses, respond to inquiries and reissue payments,” the website said. “Epiq is working as quickly as possible to handle these items, but this transition will take time and we ask that everyone be patient so that the transition from Kroll to Epiq can be completed and the claims process can restart as quickly and smoothly as possible.”

There is no timeline provided as to when distribution of the payments will resume.

“Due to the court’s appointment of Epiq as the substitute settlement administrator, pending payments will be delayed as part of the settlement administration’s transition from Kroll to Epiq,” the website said. “Any outstanding payments will remain active until their printed expiration date, at which time they will be voided, meaning you will no longer be able to cash or deposit it.”

The website reiterated that the claims center, set up on Rebecca Street in East Palestine by Kroll, will not reopen. Instead, tele-appointments can be made by calling 1-833-425-3400

“In addition to the slight delays as a result of the transition, the East Palestine Settlement Center is now permanently closed,” it said. “If you had any appointments scheduled, please reach out to Epiq so that Epiq can schedule a call to discuss any questions you might have.”

Epiq said, moving forward, it will notify people directly about plans for distributing checks and to set up calls for any cancelled appointments.

Postal mail inquiries are to be sent to Epiq at P.O. Box 6820, Portland, OR 97228-6820.

As for the June 24 deadline to file an appeal of a denial, that has been extended indefinitely.

“At this time, we do not have a new date your response is due by,” the website said. “You should use this period to review the documentation you have submitted and be prepared to submit your appeal documents when a new deadline is published.”