The state Department of Ecology announced today that it will not issue fines or other penalties against Asiana Airlines, the company that jettisoned fuel over Bainbridge Island and Puget Sound before making an emergency landing on Apr. 29.

“Our top concern is ensuring human health and safety in Washington state,” DOE spills program manager Dale Jensen said in a statement. “The pilot on Flight 271 had to take quick action to protect the lives of 179 people on board. That included dumping fuel to lighten the plane for an emergency landing. We’re thankful the pilot could make a safe return to the ground.”

Several Winslow and south Bainbridge residents reported smelling the fuel shortly after the Korea-bound plane released the fuel. The fuel was jettisoned after the the pilot noticed engine trouble while leaving Sea-Tac airport.

Much of the fuel evaporated before reaching ground. Sheens found on Puget Sound were too thin for a cleanup, DOE staff said.

The Coast Guard and state Department of Ecology are working to clean up a fuel spill off Yeomalt Point, just north of Eagle Harbor.

The full amount of the spill is unclear, but the Bainbridge fire department is estimating 30 to 100 gallons of diesel spread over the waves.

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