Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

On April 7, 1994, an oil/water separator failed at Conrail's Beacon Park Yard in Allston, Massachusetts, spreading a soupy film of oil over several hundred yards of the Charles River. A subsequent criminal investigation determined that the separator had failed because of improper operation and maintenance. Further investigation revealed that Conrail had been discharging oil without a permit since 1992, when its previous permit expired. Prior to 1992, Conrail had consistently failed to submit required monthly reports that would have disclosed the excessive discharges. On November 24, 1995, Conrail was convicted of six felonies for knowingly violating the Clean Water Act. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Conrail agreed to pay $2.75 million in fines -- $1.5 million of which have been directed to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Conrail also agreed to undertake an environmental compliance program at the Beacon Park Yard and donate $250,000 to the Charles River Watershed Association for the creation of a laboratory for monitoring water quality in the river.