ELR Citation: ELR 20268
No(s). 71-369-Civ. CA (S.D. Fla. Apr 21, 1971)

Another qui tam action brought to collect penalty fees under and enjoin future violations of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 disallowed by the court. On authority of Durning v. ITT Rayonier, 1 ELR 20040 (W.D. Wash. 1970), Bass Anglers v. U.S. Steel, 1 ELR 20101 (N.D., M.D. & S.D. Ala. 1970), Bass Anglers v. U.S. Plywood, 1 ELR 20143 (S.D. Tex. 1971), and Reuss v. Moss-American, 1 ELR 20129 (E.D. Wis. 1971) court holds that private citizen cannot initiate action for one-half portion of criminal fines provides by the Act and injunction against private corporations and federal and state officials on basis of alleged illegal pollution by corporate defendants in connection with dredge and fill operations in navigable waters. The reward provision of 33 U.S.C. §411 does not grant or imply right of private enforcement. Criminal statutes cannot be enforced by private civil actions. Enforcement discretionary with Departement of Justice.

Counsel for Plaintiff:
George C. Matthews, pro se, for plaintiff
722 109 Avenue North
Naples, FL 33940
(813) 597-5145

Counsel for Defendant Corporations:
Thomas B. DeWolf
Helliwell, Melrose, and DeWolf
600 Brickell Ave.
Miami, FL 33101
(305) 241-2541

Counsel for Defendant Fullerton as District Engineer
Robert W. Rust U.S. Attorney
George Kokus Asst. U.S. Attorney
Office of U.S. Attorney
51 S.W. 1st Ave.
Miami, FL 33101
(305) 350-5550

Robert Amos
Army Dept. Attorney
400 W. Bay St.
Jacksonville, FL 32201
(904) 791-2161

Counsel for Defendant Patton:
P.A. Pacyna Asst. Attorney General
1005 E. Memorial Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33802
(813) 683-7531