Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station will pay a $4,000 fine to the state for failing to report an oil spill that resulted in nearly 150 gallons being lost in the Columbia River. 

The fine was among those issued to companies across the state in the fourth quarter of 2024 by the state Department of Ecology, according to a release. The energy cooperative must also reimburse Ecology more than $1,400 for its expenses in reviewing the incident. 

Ecology officials say a cooling system seal failed the morning of June 13, 2024, spilling 282 gallons of lubricating oil. The spill was not reported to the state’s emergency management department until later that evening. A cleanup contractor recovered 137 gallons of oil, but couldn’t collect the remaining 145 gallons, which entered the Columbia. 

“Ecology works with thousands of businesses and individuals to help them comply with state laws,” officials said in a release. “The agency issues penalties when someone doesn’t comply with the laws after Ecology provides technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations.” 

Energy Northwest told the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business in a statement that the oil involved was Mobil DTE 732, which is identified as non-hazardous. The company reported the incident within the requirements of state and national rules.

"Energy Northwest treated the incident with the utmost seriousness and responded with pollution mitigation efforts right away," the statement read.