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Department of Ecology News Release - May 29, 2008
08-144
OLYMPIA – Seattle-based Trident Seafoods has been fined $12,000 fine by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) for causing an oil spill last summer in Tacoma’s Hylebos Waterway.
The spill happened while the Trident tender vessel Bowfin was refueling at the Sound Refining Inc. dock. The vessel’s chief engineer opened valves for two fuel tanks that were already full. The at-capacity tanks and containment compartment overflowed, resulting in the diesel oil running over the side of the ship and into the water below.
About 90 gallons of diesel oil spilled during the morning incident on July 10, 2007.
“Containing and cleaning up oil spills is a difficult and expensive task, which is why Ecology places so much emphasis on prevention efforts,” said Jim Sachet, regional Ecology spills response manager. “This spill could have and should have been avoided.”
It is illegal to spill oil to state waters. Oil harms the environment, and the damage begins as soon as it hits the water. In heavily industrial areas such as Commencement Bay, spills such as this one add more toxics to an already sensitive environment.
Bowfin had protective boom placed around it at the dock before refueling began. This helped minimize the spread of oil and facilitate recovery of the spilled diesel from water. Response crews hired by Trident were able to finish the cleanup the same day.
Based on the facts of the investigation, Ecology determined this to be a negligent oil spill, which increased the total penalty.
Trident Seafoods will have 30 days to appeal the penalty to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board or ask Ecology to reconsider its decision.
Ecology is currently reviewing a December 2007 spill involving the Bowfin in which several hundred gallons of diesel oil spilled during a fuel transfer.
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Media Contact: Kim Schmanke, 360-407-6239 (desk), kisc461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
