Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-02295/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-02295-11/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
California-American Water Company
Counter Defendant
Department of the Air Force of the United States of America
Counter Claimant
United States of America
Counter Claimant

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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

MCGREGOR SCOTT 

United States Attorney 

Eastern District of California 

E. ROBERT WRIGHT 

Assistant U.S. Attorney 

501 I. Street, Suite 10-100 

Sacramento, CA 95814-2322 

Phone: (916) 554-2700 

RONALD J. TENPAS 

Assistant Attorney General 

Environment & Natural Resources Division 

United States Department of Justice 

TARA M. BAHN 

BRYAN M. DAVIS 

Environmental Defense Section 

P.O. Box 23986 

Washington, DC 20004 

Telephone: (202) 514-2689 

Fax: (202) 514-8864 

E-Mail: Bryan.Davis@usdoj.gov

Attorneys for Defendants 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT OF 

THE AIR FORCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF 

AMERICA 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN WATER 

COMPANY, a California Corporation, 

Plaintiff, 

vs. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, a sovereign 

state and national government, DEPARTMENT 

OF THE AIR FORCE OF THE UNITED 

STATES OF AMERICA, an agency within the 

United States, 

Defendants. 

Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB 

CONSENT DECREE 

This Consent Decree is made, as of the Effective Date of this Consent Decree as defined in 

Paragraph 3 below, between Plaintiff California-American Water Company (“CAW,” or 

“Plaintiff”) and Defendant United States of America, together with its Department of the Air 

Force, (collectively “United States”), collectively referred to as “the Parties,” as defined herein. 

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Case 2:05-cv-02295-LKK -EFB Document 93 Filed 05/14/08 Page 1 of 8
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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

WHEREAS, in this Action CAW asserted claims under the Comprehensive Environmental 

Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601-9675, as amended by the 

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499, 100 Stat. 1613 

(1986) (hereinafter “CERCLA”), and the Federal Tort Claims Act (“FTCA”), 28 U.S.C. §§ 

1346(6), 2671 et seq., to recover certain costs it has allegedly incurred arising out of the alleged 

release or threatened release of hazardous substances from the former Mather Air Force Base at 

Plaintiff's drinking water supply well located on Mars Way in Rancho Cordova, California (the 

“Mars Well”); 

WHEREAS, the United States has asserted a counterclaim against Plaintiff for contribution 

under Section 113(f)(1) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9613(f)(1); 

WHEREAS, on June 15, 2006, the Court entered an order granting the United States' 

motion to dismiss Plaintiff’s claims under the FTCA (claims three through seven of the First 

Amended Complaint). Plaintiff re-alleged these claims as claims two through six in its Second 

Amended Complaint. The Court has indicated informally that it intends to dismiss the re-alleged 

FTCA claims on the same grounds that it entered its order of June 15, 2006; 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into this Consent Decree to avoid the complication 

and expense of continued litigation regarding the Mars Well and to define certain rights and duties 

of the Parties with respect to the Mars Well and the Mather Tank; 

WHEREAS, the Parties agree that this Consent Decree is fair, reasonable and in the public 

interest; and 

WHEREAS, the Parties do not admit any liability arising from occurrences or transactions 

pertaining to the Mars Well; 

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED that: 

1. The Parties to this Consent Decree are Plaintiff and the United States. 

2. This Consent Decree applies to, is binding upon, and inures to the benefit of 

Plaintiff (and its successors, assigns, and designees) and the United States. 

3. Effective Date. The Effective Date of this Consent Decree shall be the date this 

Consent Decree is approved by the Court. 

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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

4. United States. The “United States” means the United States of America, including 

all of its departments, agencies, and instrumentalities. 

5. Release and Covenant Not To Sue by Plaintiff. Upon approval and entry of this 

Consent Decree by the Court, and except as provided in Paragraph 6 (Reservation of Rights by 

Plaintiff), Plaintiff hereby forever releases, discharges, and covenants and agrees not to assert (by 

way of the commencement of an action, the joinder of the United States in an existing action or in 

any other fashion) any and all claims, causes of action, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever in 

law or in equity for costs incurred by Plaintiff through the Effective Date for the design, 

construction, operation and maintenance of the Mather Tank and appurtenant pipes and 

equipment; costs incurred by Plaintiff through the Effective Date for monitoring and operation and 

maintenance of the Mars Well; and costs incurred by Plaintiff through the Effective Date for 

provision of alternative water supplies for the Mars Well. This release and covenant applies to all 

of Plaintiffs' claims for the foregoing costs including, but not limited to, claims under the FTCA 

and CERCLA sections 107 and 113 and claims that were brought, or could have been brought, 

against the United States, in this action. 

6. Reservation of Rights by Plaintiff. Plaintiff reserves, and the United States agrees, 

that this Consent Decree does not affect: 

(A) Any claim or cause of action, including any counterclaim, Plaintiff has or 

may have in the future against the United States that is not specifically released pursuant to the 

provisions of Paragraph 5. 

(B) Plaintiff's right to seek judicial enforcement of this Consent Decree. 

7. Release and Covenant Not to Sue by United States. Upon approval and entry of 

this Consent Decree by the Court, and except as provided in Paragraph 8 (Reservation of Rights 

by United States) the United States hereby forever releases, discharges, and covenants and agrees 

not to assert (by way of the commencement of an action, the joinder of Plaintiff in an existing 

action or in any other fashion) any and all claims, causes of action, suits or demands of any kind 

whatsoever in law or in equity for costs incurred by the United States through the Effective Date 

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Case 2:05-cv-02295-LKK -EFB Document 93 Filed 05/14/08 Page 3 of 8
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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

for remediation of the Main Base/SAC Area Plume attributable to Plaintiff's ownership or 

operation of the Mars Well. 

8. Reservation of Rights by the United States. The United States reserves, and 

Plaintiff agrees, that this Consent Decree does not affect: 

 (A) Any claims or actions regarding the Mars Well brought on behalf of the 

United States Environmental Protection Agency or a natural resource trustee. 

 (B) Any claim or cause of action, including any counterclaim, the United 

States has or may have in the future against Plaintiff that is not specifically released pursuant to 

the provisions of Paragraph 7. 

9. Protection Against Claims. 

A. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Consent Decree and the 

consideration given and received by each of the Parties pursuant to this Consent Decree represents 

a good faith compromise of disputed claims and that the compromise represents a fair, reasonable, 

and equitable resolution of the Matters Addressed in this Consent Decree. It is the intent of the 

Parties that they shall be entitled to contribution protection for the Matters Addressed in this 

Consent Decree to the fullest extent provided by Section 113(f) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9613(f), 

the Uniform Comparative Fault Act, and any other applicable provision of federal or state law, 

whether by statute or common law, extinguishing the Parties’ liability to persons not party to this 

Consent Decree. Matters Addressed shall mean the claims released in the paragraphs 5 and 7, as 

limited by the reservations of rights in paragraphs 6 and 8. Any rights the United States or the 

Plaintiff may have to obtain contribution or otherwise recover costs or damages from persons not 

party to this Consent Decree are preserved. 

B. The Parties agree to support, as may be appropriate, such legal proceedings 

as necessary to secure the Court's approval and entry of this Consent Decree. 

10. Payment. 

A. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date of this Consent 

Decree, the United States will pay $250,000 (two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars) to Plaintiff. 

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Case 2:05-cv-02295-LKK -EFB Document 93 Filed 05/14/08 Page 4 of 8
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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

Payment shall be by Electronic Funds Transfer in accordance with instructions provided by the 

Plaintiff. 

B. In the event that the payment required by Paragraph 10.A. of this Consent 

Decree is not made in full within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the Effective Date of 

this Consent Decree, then interest on the unpaid balance shall be paid at the rate specified for 

interest on investments of the Hazardous Substance Superfund established under subchapter A of 

chapter 98 of Title 26 of the United States Code, with the accrual of interest commencing on the 

one hundred twenty-first (121st) day after the Effective Date of this Consent Decree, and 

continuing through the date the payment prescribed in paragraph 10.A. is made by the United 

States. 

C. Said payment by the United States is subject to the availability of funds 

appropriated for such purpose. No provision of this Consent Decree shall be interpreted as or 

constitute a commitment or requirement that the United States obligate or pay funds in 

contravention of the Anti-Deficiency Act, 31 U.S.C. § 1341. 

11. Effect of Settlement/Entry of Judgment. 

a. This Consent Decree was negotiated and executed by Plaintiff and the 

United States in good faith and at arms length and is a fair and equitable compromise of claims, 

which were vigorously contested. This Consent Decree shall not constitute or be construed as an 

admission of liability by the United States or by the Plaintiff. Nor is it an admission or denial of 

any factual allegations set out in the Complaint or counterclaim. Nor shall this Consent Decree 

constitute or be construed as an admission of violation of any law, rule, regulation, or policy by 

any of the Parties to this Consent Decree. 

b. Upon approval and entry of this Consent Decree by the Court, this Consent 

Decree shall constitute a final judgment with respect to the claims asserted by the Parties in this 

Action. 

12. Dismissal with Prejudice of FTCA Claims and Reservation of Right to Appeal. As 

part of the order approving this Consent Decree as the final judgment of the Court in this Action, 

all claims asserted by the Plaintiff against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act in 

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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

this Action shall be dismissed with prejudice. Notwithstanding this paragraph, this Consent 

Decree, the accompanying order and final judgment, or any other agreement or order, Plaintiff 

hereby expressly reserves its right to appeal the final judgment dismissing the claims for relief it 

alleged against the United States pursuant to the FTCA. The United States acknowledges that 

Plaintiff has not waived its right to appeal the FTCA ruling in this case; however, the United 

States does not concede that Plaintiff has any appealable FTCA issues. 

13. Representative Authority. The individuals signing this Consent Decree on behalf 

of the Parties hereby certify that they are authorized to bind their respective party to this Consent 

Decree. 

For the Plaintiff:

Date: 4/07/08 /s/ David D. Cooke 

 DAVID D. COOKE 

For the United States: RONALD J. TENPAS 

 Assistant Attorney General 

 Environment and Natural Resources Division 

Date: 3/25/08 /s/ Bryan B. Davis 

BRYAN B. DAVIS 

United States Department of Justice 

Environment & Natural Resources Division 

Environmental Defense Section 

P.O. Box 23986 

Washington D.C. 20026-3986 

(202) 514-1978 

Fax (202) 514-8865 

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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

ORDER

UPON CONSIDERATION OF THE FOREGOING, the Court hereby finds that this 

Consent Decree is fair and reasonable, both procedurally and substantively, consistent with 

applicable law, in good faith, and in the public interest. THE FOREGOING Consent Decree is 

hereby APPROVED. 

The United States and Plaintiff are entitled to, as of the Effective Date of this Consent 

Decree, contribution protection pursuant to section 113(f) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9613(f), the 

Uniform Comparative Fault Act, and any other applicable provision of federal or state law, 

whether by statute or common law, for the Matters Addressed in the Consent Decree. 

Entry of this Consent Decree and compliance with its requirements shall constitute 

complete and final resolution of any and all CERCLA claims brought by Plaintiff against the 

United States for costs incurred by Plaintiff through the Effective Date for the design, 

construction, operation and maintenance of the Mather Tank and appurtenant pipes and 

equipment; costs incurred by Plaintiff through the Effective Date for monitoring and operation and 

maintenance of the Mars Well; and costs incurred by Plaintiff through the Effective Date for 

provision of alternative water supplies for the Mars Well. 

Entry of this Consent Decree and compliance with its requirements shall constitute 

complete and final resolution of all CERCLA counterclaims brought by the United States against 

Plaintiff for costs incurred by the United States through the Effective Date, for remediation of the 

Main Base/SAC plume attributable to Plaintiff's ownership or operation of the Mars Well. 

All claims brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act ("FTCA") by Plaintiff against the 

United States shall be dismissed with prejudice. Notwithstanding this Consent Decree and Order, 

Plaintiff expressly reserves its right to appeal this final judgment dismissing its claims for relief 

alleged against the United States pursuant to the FTCA. 

The Court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce and to resolve any disputes that arise under 

this Consent Decree. 

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Case No. C-05-02295 LKK-EFB

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE

LAW OFFICES 

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble 

Mallory & Natsis LLP 

There being no just reason for delay, this Court expressly directs, pursuant to Rule 58, Fed. 

R. Civ. P., ENTRY OF FINAL JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of this Consent Decree, 

SIGNED and ENTERED this 13th day of May 2008. 

Plaintiff and the United States shall each bear their own costs and expenses, including 

attorneys’ fees, in this case. 

Dated: May 13, 2008. 

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