Trinidad Corporation, Illegal Dumping, OR 1998

Portland, OR – Trinidad Corporation, a subsidiary of Apex Oil Corp., has been penalized for illegally dumping oil residue and cleaning waste into international waters, according to court documents unsealed this week. The case, originating from incidents in September 1990 and 1992, highlights a deliberate effort to circumvent environmental regulations and cut costs at the expense of ocean health.

The scheme involved the vessel Admiralty Bay, which, after transporting crude oil, required cleaning prior to carrying grain to Pakistan. This cleaning process generated substantial waste, including oil residue, plastic, and cleaning materials. Instead of legally disposing of the waste in Portland, Oregon, Trinidad Corporation, through its employee Sheppard, opted for illegal dumping. The waste was stored in 55-gallon drums on the ship’s deck and then discharged into the ocean once the Admiralty Bay left port.

Federal authorities initiated charges against Trinidad Corporation on January 30, 1996, alleging violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically the Ocean Dumping Act (33 U.S.C. 1411) and one count of conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371). A subsequent indictment on May 13, 1998, added ten counts of knowingly violating the CWA’s Ocean Dumping Act (33 U.S.C. 1415) against Sheppard, the port captain allegedly directing the illicit dumping.

Both Trinidad Corporation and Sheppard ultimately pled guilty to the charges. The corporation received a sentence of twelve months probation and was ordered to pay a federal fine totaling $250,000. Sheppard faced a more severe penalty, receiving six months of incarceration, followed by 36 months of probation. He was also mandated to perform 200 hours of community service and pay a $3,000 federal fine. The relatively light sentencing, however, has drawn criticism from environmental advocacy groups who argue it does not adequately reflect the severity of the environmental damage caused by the illegal dumping.

Investigators believe the dumping was a calculated attempt to avoid the financial burden of proper waste disposal. The cost of legally disposing of the hazardous materials in Portland would have been significantly higher than the perceived risk of undetected ocean dumping. This case underscores the ongoing challenge of enforcing environmental regulations on international shipping and the need for stricter oversight of waste management practices within the maritime industry.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to investigate similar cases, emphasizing its commitment to holding companies accountable for environmental crimes. The agency stresses that illegal dumping not only harms marine ecosystems but also poses a threat to public health and the economy. This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental compliance is not merely a matter of good corporate citizenship, but a legal obligation with serious consequences.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Trinidad Corporation (subsidiary of Apex Oil Corp.)
Location: Oregon, with dumping occurring in international waters
Incident Dates: September 1990 & 1992
Waste Dumped: Approximately 365 drums of oil residue and cleaning waste
Laws Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1411 (Ocean Dumping Act), 33 U.S.C. 1415 (CWA violation), 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy)
Penalties: Trinidad Corp. – 12 months probation, $250,000 fine. Sheppard – 6 months incarceration, 36 months probation, 200 hours community service, $3,000 fine.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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