For Release: October 13, 1998

Contact: Andy McLeod 222-2771

PROVIDENCE - Martin A. Cappelli of Johnston, Chief of the Department of Environmental Management's Office of Criminal Investigation, and DEM Senior Criminal Investigator Kurt A. Schatz of Burrillville, were among a group of nine who received the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association's 1997 national group achievement award.

The group was honored for its successful multi-agency investigation of the 1996 North Cape Oil Spill, which ultimately yielded millions of dollars to support conservation projects in the Northeast.

In announcing the award, the Association said, "The coordinated efforts helped send a strong message to the U.S. business community, and to all Americans, that environmental crimes are serious offenses with serious consequences."

"This is a high honor for Chief Cappelli and Investigator Schatz, and it represents recognition by their peers of their tenacious and vigilant investigation," said Andy McLeod, Director of DEM. "It is because of their tireless work and diligence, and their collaboration with other state and federal officials, that, through the years, individuals and companies have found that environmental crime in Rhode Island does not pay."

Among others honored through the group achievement award were Assistant US Attorney Ira Belkin, District of Rhode Island, and Special Assistant US Attorney Andrew E. Lauterback, Environmental Protection Agency.

Cappelli and Schatz also received the DEM Director's Distinguished Service Award last year for outstanding performance in bringing the criminal investigation of the North Cape Oil Spill to a successful conclusion. Their involvement resulted in the largest environmental fine in New England history, a $3.5 million award received by DEM for oil spill prevention and response, in addition to Federal penalties.