SYRACUSE, NY (Legal Newsline) – A New Jersey corporation alleges that other corporations have also contributed to the contamination of a New York lake and should also be responsible for remediation costs.
Honeywell International Inc. filed a complaint on June 1 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York against Buckeye Partners LP, Buckeye GP LLC, Buckeye Pipe Line Co. LP, Buckeye Pipe Line Holdings LP, Exxon Mobil Oil Corp. and Exxon Mobil Corp. citing the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
According to the complaint, Onondaga Lake in Onondaga County, New York has received discharges and releases of industrial waste and wastewater for more than 100 years and that in 1989, the plaintiff's predecessor was sued by the state of New York to remediate the contamination. The suit states the plaintiff and its predecessor completed the remediation in 2004 and dredging was completed in 2016. The plaintiff also alleges it restored 90 acres of wetlands and is required to monitor and maintain the habitat "for years to come."
The plaintiff alleges the defendants have contributed hazardous substances to the lake and area and that they are jointly and severally liable under CERCLA for costs and responses for remediation.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendants for damages, declaratory relief, plus interest and costs, attorneys’ fees, and such other relief as the court may deem appropriate. It is represented by Brian D. Israel and Lauren Daniel of Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York case number 5:18-cv-00646