- Over 10,000 gallons of oil-contaminated waste were illegally discharged into U.S. waters near New Orleans.
- The pollution was exposed after a whistleblower alerted authorities, leading to a $1.75 million fine and probation.
- Officials admitted to a cover-up involving retaliation, evidence destruction, and false records.
A ship management company has pleaded guilty to intentionally discharging more than 10,000 gallons of oil-contaminated waste into U.S. waters near New Orleans, reports gCaptain.
Whistleblower Sparks Crackdown on Oil Dumping
The illegal dumping occurred while the vessel was anchored near the Southwest Passage of the Port of New Orleans. The oily waste was pumped overboard without using required pollution prevention equipment and without proper recordkeeping.
The unlawful discharge was uncovered after a whistleblower crew member reported via social media in March 2021 that the engine room had flooded and contaminated bilge waste was deliberately discharged under cover of darkness.
If the court approves the plea agreement, the company will pay a \$1.75 million criminal fine and serve four years of probation under the supervision of an independent technical expert.
The vessel’s chief engineer has already been sentenced to a year and a day in prison for his involvement in the pollution and subsequent obstruction of justice.
Company officials admitted to a coordinated cover-up that included retaliation against the whistleblower, lying to Coast Guard investigators, destroying evidence from the engine control room computer, and creating false, backdated personnel evaluations to discredit the whistleblower.
Authorities emphasized their commitment to prosecuting violations protecting U.S. ports and waters, highlighting the serious criminal conduct involving intentional pollution and cover-up.
Maritime safety experts noted that flooded bilges pose risks beyond environmental harm, including electrocution, power loss, and impaired steering. The Coast Guard Investigative Service continues to hold violators accountable.
The company’s sentencing is scheduled for October 16.
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Source: gCaptain
