LONG BEACH — The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Sturgell Fisheries of Warrenton, Ore., $11,500 for spilling nearly 675 gallons of oil when a crabbing vessel ran aground in Jan. 25 on the Long Beach Peninsula.
The department also is seeking $7,300 to reimburse the state for cleaning up the spill near Leadbetter Point at the entrance to Willapa Bay.
The Daily Astorian reports investigators determined the grounding was caused by human error. The Coast Guard rescued four people and their dog.
Sturgell Fisheries may appeal the penalty to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.
