EPA v. MICHIGAN WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.

Case summary

THIS ACTION WAS FILED AFTER RESPONDENT (A SUBSIDIARY OF WASTE MANAGEMENT INC.) FAILED TO INSTALL AN ADEQUATE GROUNDWATER MONITORING SYSTEM, AND TO DESIGN OR CONDUCT AN ADEQUATE GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT PLAN UPON DISCOVERY OF POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION AT THE FACILITY. A 4 DAY HEARING, COMMENCING ON DECEMBER 14, 1986, WAS HELD IN CHICAGO. THE CASE WAS BRIEFED AND READY FOR DECISION BY JUNE 1987. THE ALJ DID NOT ISSUE A DECISION UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1991. ON OCTOBER 22, 1991, EPA FILED AN APPEAL OF THE INITIAL DECISION. RESPONDENT THEN FILED A MOTION, TO REOPEN THE DECISION TO INTRODUCE ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE OBTAINED IN THE ALMOST 5 INTERVENING YEARS SINCE THE HEARING. ON DECEMBER 24, 1991 THE JUDGE GREENE GRANTED RESPONDENT'S MOTION, AND THE CHIEF JUDICIAL OFFICER (NOW THE ENVIRONMENTAL APPEALS BOARD) STAYED THE APPEAL ON JANUARY 16, 1992. ALSO SEE MATTER NO. 05-85-0441

Defendants (1)

• MICHIGAN WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• WOODLAND MEADOWS LANDFILL

  4620 HANNAN ROAD, CANTON, MI, 481880000

  Registry ID: 110007593979

• WOODLAND MEADOWS LANDFILL

  4620 HANNAN ROAD, CANTON, MI, 481880000

  Registry ID: 110007593979

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3004 — Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Standards

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• MICHIGAN WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.entered 1998-04-15

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $18,815

Timeline (7 milestones)

• 1984-07-05Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 1984-07-05Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 1986-12-15Administrative Hearing
• 1991-09-30Admin Law Judge Decision
• 1992-01-08Appeal To Administrator
• 1998-04-15Final Order Issued
• 1998-05-12Enforcement Action Closed