ELR Citation: ELR 20115
No(s). 89-375 TUC WDB (D. Ariz. Apr 26, 1990)

The court holds that plaintiff's action asking the court to invalidate a statutory lien placed on its property under §107(l) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is an action for preenforcement review and thus is barred by CERCLA §113(h). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed the lien on plaintiff's property to secure payment of EPA's costs in investigating contamination at the site. Plaintiff's action might cause a delay in cleanup. CERCLA §113(h) bars judicial review until EPA files an enforcement or cost recovery action.

Counsel for Plaintiff
J. Ruth Sproull
Gallagher & Kennedy
360 E. Coronado Rd., Phoenix AZ 85004-1524
(602) 250-8500

Counsel for Defendant
Monte C. Clausen, Ass't U.S. Attorney
Acapulco Bldg., Ste. 310, 110 S. Church St., Tucson AZ 85701
(602) 629-6511