EPA v. Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine

Case summary

This is a cost recovery agreement pursuant to CERCLA Section 122(h) for recovery of past response costs by EPA from NEC Acquisition Company. EPA's past response costs are for a previous removal action in which EPA properly closed and abandoned several geothermal wells drilled at the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine site by NEC Acquisition Company and/or its predesesors. The cost recovery agreement was signed by EPA on December 8, 2004. The thirty day public comment period ended Janauary 18, 2005 with receipt of public comments. EPA prepared responses to public comments, and on or about February 7, 2005, EPA received a wire transfer of the settlement amount ($1.7 million).

Defendants (1)

• NEC Acquisition CompanyNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE

  APPROX 0.5 NW OF SULPHUR BANK DRIVE, CLEARLAKE, CA, 95422

  Registry ID: 110020777444

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 122H — Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Cost Recovery Consent Orderentered 2005-01-18

  Primary law: CERCLA

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2005-01-18Final Order Issued
• 2005-01-18Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2005-02-07Compliance Achieved
• 2005-02-07Enforcement Action Closed
• 2005-02-15Enforcement Action Data Entered