OLYMPIA - A Seattle marine fuel dealer has been fined $28,242 for supplying oil to a tank barge without having a state-approved spill-prevention plan.

The state Department of Ecology has fined the Covich Williams Company for transferring 12,371 gallons of diesel oil from above-ground storage tanks to the tank barge Kitsap last February. The Kitsap then sailed into Elliott Bay, where the oil was used to fuel a cargo vessel.

Under state law, facilities that transfer oil to or from tank vessels or pipelines must prepare for how they will prevent and respond to oil spills. The plans are reviewed and approved by Ecology.

"It is important for companies to know how to prevent spills and to be ready to respond immediately if one should occur," said Linda Pilkey-Jarvis, a spill-prevention manager with Ecology. "These contingency plans are important for averting an environmental disaster."

Shore-side facilities that do not transfer oil to or from a tank vessel or pipeline are not required to meet the state's planning standards. Covich Williams was operating as such a facility after assuring Ecology in 1993 that it did not transfer oil to or from a tank vessel or pipeline.

"This fuel transfer was an oversight - done by an employee who was unaware of our restrictions," said owner Mason Williams. "A spill did not occur and there was no environmental damage."

"By not complying with state requirements, the company gains an unfair economic advantage over other companies that annually spend time and resources maintaining plans and participating in oil spill exercises and training," Pilkey-Jarvis said.

Sea Coast Towing, the owner/operator of the Kitsap, received a notice of violation for receiving oil from a non-regulated facility, but has not been fined. Pilkey-Jarvis said both companies are working cooperatively with Ecology to come into compliance.

Covich Williams may file an application for relief from the penalty within 15 days or may appeal to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.

###

Media contact: Mary-Ellen Voss, Department of Ecology, Public Information Officer, phone 360-407-7211, pager 360-956-8296