Brazil Official Sees $28 Million Fine for Chevron

Rio de Janeiro state’s environment secretary says Brazil is expected to fine Chevron nearly $28 million for an ongoing offshore oil spill.

Carlos Minc says the national government will also ask Chevron to pay for damages caused by the Atlantic spill.

Minc says he considers the fine lenient, but it’s the maximum allowed under current Brazilian law. His comments were aired by Brazilian broadcasters.

Chevron Corp. officials have accepted responsibility for the spill but reject accusations they did not notify local authorities quickly enough or properly manage cleanup operations.

Brazil’s National Petroleum Agency says more than 110,000 gallons (416,300 liters) of crude oil may have reached the ocean floor since Nov 7.