Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Starbound, LLC of Seattle, a subsidiary of Aleutian Spray Fisheries, Inc., will pay $168,000 for violations of the Clean Water Act at its operations off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
The infractions involve the discharge of gelatinous waste known as stickwater during seafood processing on the fishing vessel. This waste's organic components deplete oxygen levels in seawater during decomposition, potentially creating 'dead zones' where most marine life either dies or vacates the area. Low oxygen conditions are already present along the Washington and Oregon coasts.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits mandate limits on discharges, monitoring and reporting requirements, and other provisions to ensure environmental protection. Between 2020 and 2023, EPA reviews of Starbound's offshore seafood processing permits revealed numerous permit requirement violations.
"Companies that don’t accurately report discharge make it difficult for them and EPA to evaluate the potential impacts posed by the seafood processing vessels," said Ed Kowalski, Director of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at EPA Region 10 Office. "Compliance with EPA’s permit for offshore discharges is imperative to protecting our sensitive coastal waters, and disregard for the Clean Water Act will result in a hefty fine."
Further details are available in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
