American Ecology Recognized by Norfolk Southern Corporation for Transportation Safety Excellence


BOISE, ID--(Marketwire - April 27, 2009) - American Ecology Corporation (NASDAQ: ECOL) announced today that it is a recipient of Norfolk Southern Corporation's Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award for 2008, based on its excellent safety record in handling hazardous chemicals transported on NS rail lines.

Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern's chief executive officer, stated, "We are happy to recognize the safety achievements of these valued customers. They have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety as priority one in transporting chemicals that are potentially dangerous if mishandled."

"American Ecology and the Norfolk Southern Railroad employees share a continuing commitment to safety and are truly partners in this impressive achievement," stated Stephen Romano, American Ecology's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Safety is a core value at American Ecology and we are committed to the highest level of safety and compliance programs throughout our organization."

American Ecology's disposal facilities near Grand View, Idaho, and Corpus Christi, Texas, are each served by rail. In 2008, our two rail-served facilities safely received 8,234 shipments without incident. The majority of these rail shipments were contaminated soil and debris.

About American Ecology Corporation

American Ecology Corporation, based in Boise, Idaho, provides radioactive, PCB, hazardous and non-hazardous waste services to refineries and chemical production facilities, manufacturers, utilities, steel mills, medical and academic institutions and government customers throughout the nation. American Ecology is the oldest radioactive and hazardous waste services Company in the United States.

About Norfolk Southern Corporation

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America's largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products.

Contact Information: Contact: Alison Ziegler Cameron Associates (212) 554-5469 alison@cameronassoc.com www.americanecology.com