gh the cases of both pipeline accidents had different factors, the fines are steep. The minimum fine for a corporation is $1 million (EPA).The Federal government regulates pipeline operations through agencies such as the Office of Pipeline Safety and the EPA to insure maximum control of corporations. Each time an accident occurs state lawmakers push Congress to implement tougher laws towards use of hazardous materials and waste. The PEPCO oil spill and others like it has forced the legislation to conduct stricter inspections on pipelines and execute higher operating costs (Washington Post).The oil spill at Chalk Point cost PEPCO over $60 million in clean up of Swanson Creek and 17 miles of shoreline of the Patuxent River (Washington Post). These costs cover containment crews and equipment used to hold back the ill-fated spill. Wildlife in and around the water also has the cost of rehabilitating by employing personnel that are specialized in cleaning and treating traumatized animals.Furthermore, companies involved with hazardous material operations can also be held liable with lawsuits from individuals seeking compensation of damages from oil spill accidents. A class action lawsuit has been filed against PEPCO and Terminal Support Services by the Patuxent River watermen, several local businesses, and property owners affected by the April 7 spill (e-journal). The suit alleges that the companies acted negligently and failed to respond properly to the spill (e-journal). A good example of compensation to private organization is that of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. An Alaska jury ordered the Exxon Corporation to pay $5 billion to the native residents of Prince William Sound for crippling their main food supply, seafood (e-journal). There are many risks involved with operation of any power industry. On top of high operating costs set by the federal government, the company and shareholders assumes responsible for accidents and must pa...
