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Department of Ecology News Release - December 9, 2002
02-221
OLYMPIA - A creek restoration project is benefiting from an oil spill nearly two years ago by the Alaska Tanker Company of Beaverton, Ore.
"While this was a regrettable spill, we are pleased that Alaska Tanker Company has acted responsibly and was willing to address the state penalty by providing significant funding to a restoration project in the area affected by the spill," said Dale Jensen, manager of Ecology's spill-prevention program.
Under a settlement agreement with the state Department of Ecology, the tanker company will contribute $25,000 to expand the Valley Creek restoration project near Port Angeles. The amount equals the penalty Ecology levied to the company for its January 2001 oil spill into Port Angeles Harbor.
The restoration project, located near the west end of Port Angeles Harbor, is rehabilitating the creek so it can support salmon runs. An additional $11,000 could be awarded to the project if the state approves the city's application for natural-resource damage funds paid by Alaska Tanker Company last year.
Contacts: Sandy Howard, Department of Ecology, 360-407-6239
Brad Collins, city of Port Angeles, 360-417-4751
Anil Mathur, Alaska Tanker Company, 503-207-0046
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
