International Paper Slapped with $21K Fines over Alleged Oil Spill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Oregon Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) has issued a fine of nearly $21,000 to International Paper in Springfield, for alleged hydraulic oil spill into the McKenzie River in March this year.

The fine comprises of $14,400 for the spill and the balance $6,400 as penalty for the delay in reporting. In a letter addressed to the company, the DEQ raised concerns over the adverse impacts caused by numerous spills on Oregon’s general water quality standards.

The spill occurred due to a broken hydraulic line at the facility. Most of the oil ended up in waste water lagoons at the plant, but nearly 95 gallons flowed into the river. The event took place on March 13, 2018. Although the company was informed of the spill by around 2 pm, it was not reported by International Paper until 7.30 pm. According to DEQ rules, immediate reporting is essential, in order to ensure prompt and effective remedial action.

However, the oil had no threatened the drinking water supplies from the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s intake facility, though it led to temporary closure of adjacent boat ramps, to facilitate clean-up efforts.

Later, in a statement issued on behalf of the facility manager, International Paper had apologized for the incident and assured that all systems will be in place to prevent further occurring of similar incidents. Yet, the company had declined to respond to queries as to why it took more than five hours to report the spill.

International Paper could appeal the fine until September 19^th, sources said.