Chang-Sig O, Maritime Pollution, NJ 2007

NEWARK, NJ – A chief engineer aboard the Motor Vessel Sun New has been sentenced for his role in a deliberate scheme to pollute the ocean, circumventing international and U.S. maritime law. Chang-Sig O, along with Second Engineer Mun-Sig Wang, were implicated in the illegal discharge of oily waste directly into the Atlantic Ocean during a voyage from South Korea to New Jersey in 2006. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, highlights a troubling pattern of intentional pollution by the Sun Ace shipping company.

According to court documents, the crew of the Sun New intentionally bypassed the vessel’s oil-water separator – a crucial piece of equipment designed to remove oil from discharged waste – using a network of hidden hoses. This allowed them to illegally dump oily bilge water directly overboard, violating the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Inspectors discovered the elaborate bypass system during a routine inspection upon the vessel’s arrival in New Jersey.

The investigation revealed that the discharges occurred on at least two separate occasions during the voyage. Both O and Wang were initially charged with obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. 1505), conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371), and violations of MARPOL (33 U.S.C. 1908(a)). The charges stemmed from their direct involvement in maintaining the bypass hoses and directing the unlawful discharge of pollutants. The EPA’s criminal enforcement program aims to deter such practices and protect marine ecosystems from the damaging effects of oil pollution.

Corporate Accountability

The Sun Ace shipping company itself also faced criminal charges related to the MARPOL violations (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4)). The company ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a three-year probation period, a $400 special assessment fee, a substantial $400,000 federal fine, and a $100,000 community service payment directed towards the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Perhaps most significantly, Sun Ace vessels were banned from entering U.S. ports and waters, effectively crippling their ability to conduct business within American jurisdiction.

Sentencing and Restrictions

On December 5, 2006, both Chang-Sig O and Mun-Sig Wang entered guilty pleas to the charges. On January 30, 2007, O received a sentence of five months incarceration, followed by a 24-month probation period, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee. Wang received a 36-month probation sentence with the critical condition that he is permanently prohibited from serving as an engineer on any vessel entering U.S. navigable waters. This restriction effectively ends Wang’s career at sea.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Chang-Sig O (and Sun Ace Shipping)
• Crime: Maritime Pollution, Violation of MARPOL
• Location: New Jersey (Atlantic Ocean)
• Year: 2007
• Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371, 33 U.S.C. 1908(a), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), 18 U.S.C. 1505
• Penalties: O – 5 months incarceration, 24 months probation, $100 fine. Wang – 36 months probation, ban from serving as an engineer. Sun Ace – $400k fine, $100k community service, 3 years probation, port ban.
• Method: Use of bypass hoses to discharge oily waste overboard, bypassing oil-water separator.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the EPA’s commitment to vigorously prosecuting individuals and companies who prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. The penalties levied against both O, Wang, and Sun Ace are intended to send a clear message that such illegal activity will not be tolerated.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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