ELR Citation: ELR 20548
No(s). 89-0746-H (D. Mass. Oct 27, 1989)

The court rules that civil penalties in a Federal Water Pollution Control Act citizen suit can only be imposed for violations committed after the the filing of the complaint. Relying on Gwaltney of Smithfield v. Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 18 ELR 20142 (1987), the court reasons that citizen suits are secondary to federal enforcement actions and should focus on abatement of future pollution. The court also certifies the question for an interlocutory appeal.

Counsel for Plaintiff
Peter L. Koff
Murphy, DeMarco & O'Neill
Four Faneuil Hall Market Pl., Boston MA 02109
(617) 523-2340

James F. Simon, Nora J. Chorover
Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.
122 E. 42nd St., New York NY 10168
(212) 949-0049

Counsel for Defendants
Marcus E. Cohn
Peabody & Brown
101 Federal St., Boston MA 02110-1832
(617) 345-1000