Under an order with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New Cingular Wireless has agreed to pay a $57,255 penalty for spilling more than 12,000 gallons of diesel at its Bothell data center in 2008 in violation of the federal Clean Water Act.

According to the order, on Aug. 1, 2008, New Cingular Wireless spilled approximately 12,432 gallons of diesel when an above-ground storage tank overflowed on its property. The spill traveled across an asphalt area and into a storm drain that empties into a wetland pond adjacent to Par Creek. The company cleaned up the spill in early September 2008.

“Oil spills are serious business and can cause serious environmental damage,” said Edward Kowalski, EPA’s director of compliance and enforcement in Seattle. “Companies that store oil must follow the law and be diligent in their efforts to contain and prevent spills.”