2025 Session Last amended: 1994 session

§ 115B.402 — Illegal Actions at Qualified Facilities

Plain-Language Summary

Even when the state takes over cleanup responsibility for a qualified landfill facility, it can still recover cleanup costs from any person who violated federal or state hazardous waste laws in connection with the release. The commissioner's determination of the portion of costs attributable to that person — based on the volume and toxicity of their waste — is treated as prima facie evidence in a cost recovery action.

Practical Notes
This section creates an exception to the liability protection that notice of compliance provides. If a responsible person’s conduct was illegal under hazardous waste law at the time, the state can still sue them for their share of cleanup costs. This incentivizes compliance with environmental laws and ensures that bad actors cannot use the landfill cleanup program to escape accountability.