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Department of Ecology News Release - May 6, 2009
09-102
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) won't take enforcement action against Asiana Airlines after one of its jets had to jettison thousands of gallons of fuel over Puget Sound during an emergency shortly after takeoff from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on April 29, 2009.
“Our top concern is ensuring human health and safety in Washington state,” said Ecology Spills Program Manager Dale Jensen. “The pilot on Flight 271 had to take quick action to protect the lives of 179 people on board. That included dumping fuel to lighten the plane for an emergency landing. We're thankful the pilot could make a safe return to the ground.”
Jensen said Ecology responded to the estimated 5,000 gallons of jettisoned fuel. An unknown quantity did reach surrounding surface waters in Puget Sound. The sheen on the water was too thin for a cleanup. Jet fuel partly evaporates and partly dissolves into the water.
Because the fuel release occurred as part of an emergency operation to safely land the plane and save lives, Jensen said Ecology won't levy penalties or fines.
“Thankfully, incidents like these are rare. But it does give us an opportunity to identify lessons learned. We will continue to work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the airline to help identify ways to prevent spills,” he said.
Under state law, Ecology has a duty to respond to oil spills that reach state waters including marine waters, rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, ditches, storm drains and groundwater.
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Media contact: Curt Hart, 360-407-6990; cell, 360-480-7908 (char461@ecy.wa.gov)
Ecology Web site about the Asiana Airline incident: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/incidents/Asiana/Asiana.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
