Noble Drilling (U.S.) LLC, Environmentally Ruinous Operator, Sentenced in Alaska

In a shocking turn of events, Noble Drilling (U.S.) LLC, a drilling operator, has been sentenced for committing eight felony environmental and maritime crimes arising out of its operation of the drill ship Noble Discoverer and the drilling unit Kulluk in violation of federal law in Alaska in 2012.

The convictions were the result of a joint investigation between the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska and the Environmental Crimes Section.

Noble Drilling (U.S.) LLC was convicted of five counts of knowingly violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), one count of knowingly violating the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act, and two counts of willfully violating the Ports and Waterways Safety Act.

Noble Drilling (U.S.) LLC was sentenced to pay $12.2 million in fines and community service payments and to serve a four-year period of probation during which time it must implement a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan. In addition, Noble’s parent corporation, Noble Corporation plc, headquartered in London, England, has agreed to implement an Environmental Management System for all Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) owned or operated by Noble Corporation plc and its direct and indirect subsidiaries worldwide.

A total of $4 million was paid by Noble in the form of community service payments; $2,500,000 will go to the International Arctic Research Center located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, $1,000,000 will go to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Alaskan Arctic Fund, and $500,000 will go to the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States. All of these funds will be used for research and projects designed to study and/or benefit the Arctic and/or the natural resources or wildlife contained therein near Alaska.

In addition, the Court has ordered that $512,500 of the $8.2 million fine be awarded to a person who provided substantial information leading to the conviction of Noble in this case. This award was made under the provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, which provides that the Court may award an amount equal to not more than ½ of the fine imposed for a conviction of that statute to the person giving information leading to conviction.

The case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of environmental crimes on our planet. Environmentally ruinous operators like Noble Drilling (U.S.) LLC must be held accountable for their actions. We must continue to push for stronger environmental regulations and enforcement to protect our planet and its inhabitants.

Defendant: Noble Drilling (U.S.) LLC

Criminal Charges: Five counts of knowingly violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), one count of knowingly violating the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act, and two counts of willfully violating the Ports and Waterways Safety Act

City and State: Anchorage, Alaska

Exact Date: Not specified

Sentence or Outcome: Fined $12.2 million and ordered to pay $4 million in community service payments. Served a four-year period of probation during which time it must implement a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan.

Dollar Amounts: $12.2 million fine, $4 million community service payments

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