By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-986662.mp3
New Orleans, LA – The head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management says fines linked to the BP spill could be sent out this week to the oil company. Also getting notice may be rig owner Transocean and cement contractor Halliburton. A joint report by the Interior Department and Coast Guard has found safety violations committed by all three companies. Bureau Director Michael Bromwich says current guidelines allow up to $35,000 a day for each incident. But he's asking Congress to increase those maximum civil fines. Companies could face billions of dollars in separate penalties under the federal Clean Water Act. The joint report will be reviewed Friday by the House Natural Resources Committee.
For WWNOP, I'm Eileen Fleming.