According to the Environmental Quality Protection Board last Sept. 9, the Board issued a cease and desist order with civil penalty of $5,000 to Captain Cheng Ching Fu and Vessel Ching Fu Tsai and local agent P.I.T.I. for causing its vessel to run aground in Uchelbeluu, Airai State causing environmental harm.
The Vessel Ching Fu Tsai has been removed from the reef but EQPB is still pursuing the order for PITI to remove the vessel remains and debris still on the reef and properly dispose the derelict vessel.
PITI has paid its penalty in one full payment of $5000, it added,
EQP stated that under Title 24 of the Palau National Code Annotated, Section 162(a), the Board can issue enforcement actions, including issuance of an order to cease and desist from violating EQPB’s regulations and imposition of civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each day of violation.
The PITI fishing vessel ran aground on August 16, 2010.
