EPA v. Lawson Landfill

Case summary

This is a bankruptcy referral to request that DOJ file a proof of claim and a non-dischargeability complaint in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy case of Kim Roderick Lawson, Sr., now pending in the Central District of California. EPA has a claim against Mr. Lawson under Section 7003(b) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. § 6973(b), based on the judgment entered in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, by U.S. District Judge Stephen G. Larson, on March 21, 2007, in the case of U.S. v. Torlaw Realty, Inc., et al. (EDCV 03-0755 SGL (Opx)). The judgment orders that Kim Lawson, Lawson Enterprises, and Torlaw Realty, Inc., jointly and severally, shall pay to the United States a civil penalty of $2,362,000, and also imposes all response, abatement and cleanup costs related to the Lawson Dump, not to exceed $42,800,000. EPA formally submitted the written bankruptcy referral to DOJ on April 10, 2007, but for purposes of this Case Initiation, the referral date used is the date that the judgment was entered in favor of the United States.

Defendants (1)

• Kim Roderick Lawson, Sr.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

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 Landfillentered 2007-09-04

  Primary law: RCRA

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2007-03-21Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2007-03-22Complaint Filed With Court
• 2007-03-22Final Order Lodged
• 2007-04-17Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2007-09-04Enforcement Action Closed
• 2007-09-04Final Order Entered