Polar Tankers Inc., a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Co., has agreed to pay $588,000 to help compensate the public for environmental harm caused by the October 2004 crude oil spill into Puget Sound's Dalco Passage near Tacoma.

The payment would come under a proposed settlement agreement or consent decree filed this week in U.S. District Court, Western Washington Division involving Polar Tankers and the United States, state of Washington, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and Puyallup Tribe of Indians. A consent decree in federal court makes no finding of guilt or innocence.

The coalition of federal, state and tribal governments also filed a related restoration plan and environmental assessment that identifies three potential environmental restoration projects on Vashon and Maury Islands.

The spill caused harm to Puget Sound Chinook salmon and other salmon species, forage fish, shellfish and their habitats, as well as other bird and wildlife species.

The government agencies and tribal governments seek public comment on the proposed $588,000 consent decree and the restoration plan and environmental assessment through April 22, 2010. Information, including the full text of the consent decree and the restoration plan are available on the Web.