Skip to main content
09-2003-0044Administrative - FormalFinal Order IssuedFY 2003· Region 09

EPA v. Lawson Landfill

Unilateral Administrative Order Without Adjudication

Case summary

This is a RCRA Section 7003 Imminent and Substantial Endangerment Order to the Lawson Brothers facility, which is located on the Torres Martinez Reservation, south of Palm Springs, California. The Order compels the operators to cease their open burning of waste, install a fence around the facility to secure the site and mitigate other risks posed to an adjacent trailer park and nearby agricultural land. The basis for the order is PM exceedances in a PM and ozone non-attainment area and dioxin levels in residual ash that exceed Region IX residential and industrial PRGs. [ NOTE: Failure to comply with this Order has resulted in judicial action in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (see 09-2003-0076). ]

Defendants (6)

  • Torlaw Realty Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement
  • Kim LawsonNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
  • Richard LawsonNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
  • Virgil LawsonNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
  • Lawson EnterprisesNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
  • Lawson RanchNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

  • LAWSON BROTHERS FACILITY

    ALLOTMENT 314 T-M, THERMAL, CA, 92274

    Registry ID: 110014413633

Statutes cited

  • RCRA 7003Imminent Order: Solid or Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

  • Lawson Brothers Compliance Orderentered 2003-05-02

    Primary law: RCRA

Timeline (3 milestones)

  • 2003-04-04Enforcement Action Data Entered
  • 2003-05-02Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
  • 2003-05-02Final Order Issued

Case metadata

EPA activity ID
93775
Case number
09-2003-0044
Lead agency
EPA
EPA region
09
Voluntary self-disclosure
No
Primary statute
Imminent Order: Solid or Hazardous Waste

Sourced verbatim from EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Report for case 09-2003-0044 . Bulk data: ICIS-FEC download summary.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.