Delta Western upgrades Dillingham facility to comply with federal oil spill prevention laws

(Seattle-Nov. 20, 2014) Delta Western, Incorporated has resolved violations of federal oil spill prevention laws at its facility in Dillingham, Alaska, according to a settlement with the E.P.A. and the U.S. Department of Justice. The facility, which is a critical supplier of fuel to a remote community, is located on the shores of the Nushagak River, home to one of the most productive sockeye salmon runs in the world and several other fish species.

"Oil spill prevention laws protect waterways, natural resources and the communities that depend on these resources," said Jeff KenKnight, Manager of the Clean Water Act Compliance Unit in the E.P.A. Seattle office. "Spill containment measures also save taxpayer money that would otherwise go to costly emergency cleanup. We're pleased to see Delta Western enhance its spill containment to protect the Nushagak River, a valuable resource for this region."

An E.P.A. inspection in July 2012 identified a number of violations of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure rules under the Clean Water Act. The violations included failure to have adequate structures or equipment to prevent a discharge; failure to install secondary containment that would hold the capacity of its biggest container; failure to ensure diked areas would contain oil safely; and failure to position oil containers to prevent discharge. The facility has the capacity to hold nearly 2 million gallons of oil.

As part of the E.P.A. settlement, the facility agreed to comply with SPCC requirements by enlarging its secondary containment capacity to prevent harm in the event of a catastrophic spill. The company also agreed to pay a $205,000 fine.

For more information on E.P.A. Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure rules, visit: http://www.epa.gov/OEM/content/spcc/

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