ELR Citation: ELR 20143
No(s). 70-H-1004 (S.D. Tex. Feb 10, 1971)

Action under the Refuse Act by conservation groups for injunctive and mandatory relief and for a portion of any fine levied is dismissed. Qui tam actions are allowed only where statutory authority for them is express or can be implied. The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 does not expressly authorize qui tam actions. Furthermore, §411 of the act by necessary implication bars qui tam actions, because a criminal conviction is required before an informer is entitled to receive a share of any fine imposed. Hence, a right to such an action cannot be implied. The doctrine of sovereign immunity bars action against the two governmental defendants, because plaintiffs have not made material allegations that these governmental officers have exceeded their authority or that their authority is invalid.

Counsel for Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society and the Baytown Bass Club:
Hugh E. McGee, Jr..
L. A. Greene, Jr.
2421 Bank of the Southwest Bldg.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-0445

Levin and Dees
P.O. Box 2087
Montgomery, AL 36103
(205) 262-4807

Counsel for Corporate Defendants:
Hugh M. Patterson
John F. Head
Richard B. Miller
Baker, Botts, Shepherd and Coates
1600 Esperson Bldg.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 229-1234

Ben H. Rice
Hugh C. Wilfong III
John T. Golden
Vinson, Elkins, Searls and Connally
First City National Bank Bldg.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 225-2411

Joseph Jawarsi
Kenneth R. Wynne
Bracewell and Patterson
1808 First City National Bank Bldg.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-5361

C.E. Nadeau
J.M. Warsham
P.O. Box 2099
Houston, TX 77001
(713) 621-4015

V.W. McLeod
McLeod, Alexander, Dowel and Apffel
808 Sealy and Smith Professional Bldg.
P.O. Box 629
Galveston, TX 77550
(713) 763-2481

Counsel for the City of Houston:
William A. Olson
F. William Colburn
Alan F. Levin
Legal Department
City of Houston
300 City Hall
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 222-3011

Counsel for the Federal Defendants:
Anthony J. P. Farris U.S. Attorney
Jack Sheperd First Assistant U.S. Attorney
Southern District of Texas
Federal Bldg. and U.S. Courthouse
515 Rusk Room 1200
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 226-4765