Orgulf Transport Co. v. United States

MEMORANDUM OPINION

JOHNSTONE, Chief Judge.

Unlike the current 10.1 million gallon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, this case involves a $100.00 fine for a five-gallon oil spill on the Ohio River. Although the spill and fine are both small, they raise important issues concerning the interpretation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.

FACTS

Approximately five gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the Ohio River during the refueling of a towboat operated by Plaintiff Orgulf Transport Co. (Orgulf). In accordance with its obligation under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of…