USEPA’s Most Wanted
Prem Kumar, also known as Premakumaran Krishnan, a marine superintendent for Fleet Management Ltd (and a citizen of India), is the newest member of the USEPA fugitive list. Kumar was added for failing to surrender to federal law enforcement authorities after he was indicted on April 29, 2010, for obstruction, conspiracy and making false statements.
Kumar was responsible for ensuring that ships managed by Fleet Management operated in compliance with the APPS. His responsibilities apparently also included working with and directing the engine room officers in the management of oily waste water and other waste generated on board the vessel. On October 6, 2009, the Coast Guard was conducting a routine inspection of the M/V Lowlands Sumida, a cargo ship being operated by Fleet Management, when a crew member provided information that the vessel was illegally discharging oily wastewater directly into the ocean by bypassing the oily water separator, a required pollution control device.
A subsequent investigation by the USEPA, the Coast Guard, and the TCEQ found that the vessel’s oil record book was knowingly falsified.
After the initial indictment, on September 9, 2010, Fleet Management Ltd pleaded guilty and the company was sentenced in the Southern District of Texas to pay a $3,000,000.00 fine, was placed on probation for four year and ordered to establish an environmental compliance program.
Interestingly, the whistleblower who reported the violations received $200,000.00 under the whistleblower provisions of the APPS.
More later.
As always, feel free to contact me via e-mail at walter.james@jamespllc.com.
WDJiii