EPA v. Lawson Landfill

Case summary

This is a judicial referral under RCRA Section 7003 seeking to judicially enforce an earlier Administrative Compliance Order for Imminent and Substantial Endangerment issued to the Lawson Landfill facility located on the Torres Martinez Reservation south of Palm Springs, California. The Order directs 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 mobile home park and nearby agricultural land. The basis for the order is PM exceedances of California PM standards in a PM and ozone non-attainment area and dioxin levels in residual ash that exceed Region 9 residential and industrial PRGs. On 2 July 2003, Complaint filed to enforce RCRA 7003 Order and BIA cease and desist order. Complaint requests temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction and permanent injunction, and penalties (case assigned to the Honorable Stephen G. Larson, United States Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Central District of California.).

Defendants (6)

• Torlaw Realty Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement
• Kim LawsonNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• Virgil Richard Lawson Jr.Named in complaint
• Virgil Richard Lawson Jr. dba Lawson EnterprisesNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• Virgil Richard Lawson Jr. dba Lawson Ranch & EnterNamed in complaint
• Scott LawsonNamed in complaint

Facilities (1)

• LAWSON BROTHERS FACILITY

  ALLOTMENT 314 T-M, THERMAL, CA, 92274

  Registry ID: 110014413633

Statutes cited

• RCRA 7003 — Imminent Order: Solid or Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Lawson Brothersentered 2007-03-21

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $2,362,000

Timeline (7 milestones)

• 2003-06-02Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2003-07-02Complaint Filed With Court
• 2003-07-08Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2007-03-21Concluded
• 2007-03-21Final Order Entered
• 2007-03-21Final Order Lodged
• 2012-10-12Enforcement Action Closed