Opinion ID: 768662
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Simplex

Text: 14 The McCords argue that Simplex's contracting with PMI amounted to willful blindness as to PMI's disposal processes because Simplex controlled the parts that PMI electroplated for Simplex, knew that hazardous waste would be generated from the electroplating, and loaned or advanced money to PMI. Simplex responds that Simplex never owned or possessed hazardous substances, did not have any authority or obligation to exercise control over the hazardous waste, never took an affirmative step to dispose of the hazardous waste, and did not know that PMI improperly disposed of hazardous waste. 15 The evidence is insufficient to show that Simplex arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at PMI's electroplating facility. The McCords have not established that Simplex took any action or had any intent to dispose of hazardous substances. While Simplex did loan or advance money to PMI on one occasion, no evidence supports a finding that Simplex gave this money for PMI to use for any specified purpose, such as the purchase of hazardous substances or the disposal of hazardous waste. Furthermore, while Simplex's president understood that hazardous waste would be generated by PMI's electroplating of Simplex's parts, the McCords have not shown that Simplex's president knew of or had the power to control PMI's disposal practices. We conclude, therefore, that no reasonable factfinder could find that Simplex arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a)(3), and we affirm the district court's grant of summary judgment to Simplex.