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Department of Ecology News Release - December 11, 2002
02-225
OLYMPIA - The state of Washington and Bellingham area will benefit from a plea agreement entered today the federal court involving the companies and individuals responsible for the 1999 Olympic Pipe Line rupture and fire that killed three Bellingham youths.
The plea agreement is contingent on finalizing the Department of Ecology's civil penalties issued against Olympic Pipe Line Company and Equilon Pipe Line.
Tom Fitzsimmons, director of the Department of Ecology, said he expects that at least $20 million or more will come directly to Washington for pipeline-safety improvements and on-the-ground environmental projects.
"Must of the money will be invested in environmental projects in Bellingham, where this disaster occurred," Fitzsimmons said.
Details of a penalty payment schedule and how money will be allocated will be available in January after the federal settlements are completed, Fitzsimmons said.
Media contact: Joan Pelley, Communications Manager, 360-738-6247
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
