tours. Resturants that rely on seafood, and are positioned beside the water also suffer money losses. Thomas Edison (1847-1931) once quoted “There ain’t no rules around here! We’re trying to accomplish something!” Today there are stiff fines, penalties, civil lawsuits, and criminal prosecution associated with the production, transportation, and use of hazardous materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or local authority can enforce laws and regulations regarding any use and disposal of hazardous substances that can affect natural resources and human life.The PEPCO Chalk Point oil pipeline spill leaked approximately 139,000 gallons of crude oil into the Patuxent River. PEPCO may be charged $70 million to $75 million in fines (PRNewswire). In a similar case of a pipeline burst, one owned by Olympic Pipe Line, which exploded in Bellingham, Washington. This explosion killed three teenagers and released over 200,000 gallons of gasoline into a city park was facing $3.05 million in fines (Seattle Times). Although the cases of both pipeline accidents have 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 ensure 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 has cost PEPCO over $60 million so far toclean up Swanson Creek and 17 miles of shoreline on 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 has had to be cleaned u...
