EPA v. WELLS G&H (OU4) - PARAMOUNT GLOBAL

Case summary

On December 26, 2024, EPA entered into a settlement relating to the Southwest Properties, Operable Unit 4 of the Wells G&H Superfund Site located in Woburn, Massachusetts. One of the Southwest Properties was previously operated as a drum and barrel reconditioning and distribution facility by the now-defunct Whitney Barrel Company, Inc. (Whitney Barrel), which resulted in the disposal and release of hazardous substances. The settling party to the 122(h) Settlement Agreement, Paramount Global, was a customer of Whitney Barrel. A previous Settlement Agreement for remediation costs addressing contaminated soil and groundwater at the Southwest Properties and bordering wetlands was reached with other former Whitney Barrel customers and owner/operators. Paramount Global had elected not to enter into the former settlement. Under the current Settlement Agreements, the settling party paid EPA a cashout payment for costs associated with OU4 in exchange for a covenant not to sue for past response costs. Paramount Global paid $120,000. August 28, 2024: 122(h) Settlement Agreement with Paramount Global for OU4. EPA settled with Paramount for $120,000.

Defendants (1)

• Paramount GlobalNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• WELLS G&H

  ABERJONA RIVER VALLEY, WOBURN, MA, 01801

  Registry ID: 110009290310

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 122H — Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• WELLS G&H (OU4) - Paramount Globalentered 2024-08-28

  Primary law: CERCLA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-08-28Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-08-28Final Order Issued
• 2024-09-11Enforcement Action Data Entered