Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 28 - Ports and Airports
Part 301 - Operations and Procedures Manual of the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport
Chapter 14 - Reporting of Oil Spills and Hazardous Chemical Spills
Rule 28-301-14.3 - Penalty for Noncompliance

If the incident poses an immediate crisis as much of the above information as possible should be communicated and it is not necessary to take time to develop all the information prior to calling. As a matter of fact, failure to immediately notify could result in hefty fines being levied against the operator or leaseholder for untimely report. If operators or leaseholders fail to notify the authorities of a release, either are subject to civil penalties of up to $25,000 a day for each day of non-compliance. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $75,000 a day. In addition, criminal penalties may be imposed on any person who knowingly and willfully fails to provide notice."

Mississippi Code §§ 59-1-1, 59-1-9 and 59-5-21