MATSON Terminals has pleaded guilty to violating the Rivers and Harbours Act of 1899, which will resolve federal criminal charges arising from a molasses spill in the Port of Honolulu in September 2013.
But there may yet be civil claims by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or claims by the State of Hawaii, reported American Shipper.
Matson will also pay US$1 million in penalties: a $400,000 fine and $600,000 in a community service payment.
Of the $600,000, half goes to the University of Hawaii's Waikiki Aquarium to support coral programmes and invasive algae clean-ups; the other half goes to Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, a group that helps organise beach clean-ups.
The proposed resolution, approved by federal prosecutors, is subject to review and approval by the court.
"Matson has cooperated with the US Attorney's office and the EPA criminal investigation division throughout their investigation of the September 2013 molasses incident," said Matson president and CEO Matt Cox.
"While we regret the incident, we are focused on resolving the matter, subject to the court's approval of the agreement. We continue to cooperate with the state and the EPA in an effort to address impacts," he said.
Matson Terminals suspended its operation of its molasses pipeline at the Sand Island terminal after the incident.
PORTS
23 October 2014 - 19:41
Matson settles with DOJ over molasses spill for US$1 million
MATSON Terminals has pleaded guilty to violating the Rivers and Harbours Act of 1899, which will resolve federal criminal charges arising from a molasses spill in the Port of Honolulu in September 2013.
PORTS
23 October 2014 - 19:41
Matson settles with DOJ over molasses spill for US$1 million
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