ELR Citation: ELR 20491
No(s). s. 84-407B et al (M.D. La. Nov 7, 1985)

The court holds that citizen suits may be brought under §505 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act only if the defendant is in violation of relevant effluent standards, limitations, or orders at the time the suit is filed. The court, following the Fifth Circuit's ruling in Hamker v. Diamond Shamrock Chemical Co., 15 ELR 20385, that §505 authorizes prospective relief only, holds that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction since plaintiffs failed to prove that defendants were "in violation" at the time the suits were filed.

Counsel for Plaintiff
Michael Osborne
Osborne & McComiskey
3420 Prytania St., New Orleans LA 70115
(504) 891-4418

Counsel for Defendant
Maureen N. Harbourt, R. Gordon Kean Jr., William D'Armond
Kean, Miller, Hawthorn, D'Armond, McCowan & Jarman
Suite 201, 101 St. Ferdinand, P.O. Box 3513, Baton Rouge LA 70821
(504) 387-0999

Frank S. Craig III
Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson
P.O. Box 3197, Baton Rouge LA 70821-3197
(504) 387-4000

Counsel for Amicus Curiae
Warren E. Byrd III, Ass't Attorney General
Department of Justice, P.O. Box 94005, Baton Rouge LA 70804-9005
(504) 342-7013