Ecology Department penalties total $152,996 in 3rd quarter of 2008
OLYMPIA WA (11/25/08) – The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has issued a summary of all penalties of $1,000 or more issued during the third quarter (July, August, September) of 2008. Ecology has issued $1,182,619 in penalties of $1,000 or more this year.
The summary appears on-line at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2008news/2008-312.html
Ecology works with thousands of business and individuals to ensure compliance with laws written to protect Washingtons air, land and water resources. Penalties are issued in cases where non-compliance continues after Ecology has provided technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations.
The money owed from penalties may be reduced from the issued amount due to a ruling by the Environmental Hearings Board or a negotiated settlement. The final penalty amount owed and collected is deposited in special accounts that pay for:
” Restoration and enhancement projects.
” Research and development.
” Permitting and regulatory programs.
” Education and assistance.
The most common accounts receiving collected penalties are:
” Coastal Protection (RCW 90.48.400 and RCW 90.48.390)
” Vessel Response (RCW 90.56.335)
” Underground Storage Tank (RCW 90.76.100)
” Air Pollution Control (RCW 70.94.015)
” Biosolids (RCW 70.95J.025)
” State Toxics Control (RCW 70.105D.070)
” Oil Spill Prevention (RCW 90.56.510)
” Reclamation (RCW 18.104.155 and RCW 89.16.020)
” Electronic Recycling (RCW 70.95N.130)
For more detail about Ecologys enforcement policy and actions, please see the 2007 Enforcement Report at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0801015.pdf