2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 77.120.070: Violation of chapter — Penalties.

(1) Except as limited by subsection (2) or (3) of this section, the director or the director's designee may impose a civil penalty or warning for a violation of the requirements of this chapter on the owner or operator in charge of a vessel who fails to comply with the requirements imposed under RCW 77.120.030 and 77.120.040. The penalty shall not exceed five thousand dollars for each violation. In determining the amount of a civil penalty, the department shall consider if the violation was intentional, negligent, or without any fault, and shall consider the quality and nature of risks created by the violation. The owner or operator subject to such a penalty may contest the determination by requesting an adjudicative proceeding within twenty days. Any determination not timely contested is final and may be reduced to a judgment enforceable in any court with jurisdiction. If the department prevails using any judicial process to collect a penalty under this section, the department shall also be awarded its costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.

     (2) The civil penalty for a violation of reporting requirements of RCW 77.120.040 shall not exceed five hundred dollars per violation.

     (3) Any owner or operator who knowingly, and with intent to deceive, falsifies a ballast water management report form is liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars per violation, in addition to any criminal liability that may attach to the filing of false documents.

     (4) The department, in cooperation with the United States coast guard, may enforce the requirements of this chapter.

[2000 c 108 § 8.]