EPA v. FORMOSA MINE (IN REM PROCEEDING FOR ACCESS)(FF)

Case summary

On March 2, 2015, Region 10 sent a referral to the U.S. Department of Justice to obtain long-term access to the Formosa Mine site in Riddle, Oregon, for its proposed cleanup for Operable Unit 1 and any future removal or remedial actions that may be necessary to address the contamination at the site. Formosa Exploration, Inc. is the listed owner of the property, but has been defunct since 1996 and EPA has been unable to successfully contact Formosa Exploration's parent company or affiliates. Douglas County, Oregon, has been paying taxes for the property since 2004, but is disclaiming ownership. With no other party coming forward to claim ownership, EPA is referring the matter to DOJ to file an in rem action to gain access to the property. BLM is also planning to conduct its own removal actions at the site and will likely jointly file in court with EPA to gain long-term access to the site. Contacts: Grace Hwang, (206) 553-8577; Chris Cora, (206) 553-1478.

Defendants (2)

• FORMOSA EXPLORATION, INC.Named in complaint
• FORMOSA RESOURCE CORP.Named in complaint

Facilities (1)

• FORMOSA MINE

  THE FIRE TOWER RD & BLM-31-6-35.0, RIDDLE, OR, 97469

  Registry ID: 110071102778

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 104E2 — Information and/or Access

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2015-03-03Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2015-03-06Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2016-06-23Complaint Filed With Court