Beck Development Co. v. Southern Pacific Transportation Co.

Good Law

1996 Cal. App. LEXIS 369·44 Cal. App. 4th 1160·52 Cal. Rptr. 2d 518·96 Daily Journal DAR 4687·96 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 2847

Court of Appeal of CaliforniaApril 24, 1996Docket Nos. C015216, C015905California25,598 words

Opinion

Sparks, J.

In these consolidated appeals we consider issues arising out of the subsurface contamination of land. Among other points, we consider the nature and propriety of a moratorium recommendation by the state agency responsible for toxic substance control. We also examine the relationship between the laws dealing with hazardous waste properties and those governing land use regulation. Finally, we consider public and private nuisances, the statute of limitations on nuisances and the various rules for determining whether a nuisance is permanent or continuing.

The property in question belongs to the Beck Development Co., Inc. (Beck), and is located in the City of Tracy (the City) in San Joaquin County. The contamination occurred through the ownership and use of the property by Southern Pacific Transportation Company (Southern Pacific) prior to 1945. Beck purchased the property in 1985 in order to subdivide and develop it for residential purposes, but has been inhibited by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (the Department) and the City due to the subsurface contamination. As a result of these inhibitions, Beck filed suit against the Department, the City, Southern Pacific…

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Parties

BECK DEVELOPMENT CO., INC.
Plaintiff
SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
Defendant

Judges

Sparks

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