Legal Document

401 U.S. 493 91 Supreme Court Reporter 1005 28 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 256 OHIOv.WYANDOTTE CHEMICALS CORP. et al. Number 41, Orig. Argued Jan. 18, 1971. Decided March 23, Syllabus The State of Ohio filed a motion for leave to file bill complaint invoking the Court's original jurisdiction against defendant companies, incorporated in Michigan, Delaware and Canada, abate an alleged nuisance resulting contamination pollution Lake Erie from dumping mercury into its tributaries. declines exercise this case since issues are bottomed on local law that courts competent consider; several national international bodies actively concerned with problems involved here; nature requires resolution complex, novel, technical factual questions do not implicate important federal law, which primary responsibility Court. 1 Denied. 2 Paul W. Brown, Columbus, Ohio, plaintiff. 3 Peter L. Strauss, Washington, D.C., States, as amicus curiae, by invitation 4 John M. Moelmann, Chicago, Illinois, Wyandotte Chemicals Corporation 5 Ian Outerbridge Dow Chemical Company Limited special under Rule 6. 6 Harley Judge McNeal, Cleveland, Company. 7 Mr. Justice HARLAN delivered opinion 8 By complaint, seeks invoke jurisdiction. Because importance unusual character tendered we set matter oral argument, inviting Solicitor General participate brief behalf curiae. For reasons follow deny file. 9 action, abatement nuisance, is brought citizens, names defendants (Wyandotte), company (Dow America), Canada). Michigan maintains principal office place business there. America Delaware, has owns all stock Canada. Canada incorporated, does business, Ontario. A majority Canada's directors residents States. 10 alleges have each dumped streams whose courses ultimately reach Erie, thus contaminating polluting lake's waters, vegetation, fish, wildlife, jointly responsible acts foreign subsidiary. Assuming State's ability prove these assertions, decree: (1) declaring introduction Erie's tributaries public nuisance; (2) perpetually enjoining introducing or tributaries; (3) requiring either remove pay costs removal fund be administered used only purpose; (4) directing monetary damages harm done citizens inhabitants Ohio. 11 Original said conferred Article III Federal Constitution. Section 2, cl. 1, Article, provides: 'The judicial Power shall extend * Controversies between Citizens another Subjects.' 'In Cases Party, supreme Jurisdiction.' Finally, Code KF62 § 1251(b) but exclusive All actions proceedings aliens.' 12 While consider Ohio's state cause action falls within compass our jurisdiction, concluded should nevertheless decline 13 That seems clear enough.1 Beyond doubt, face reveals existence genuine 'case controversy' one another, well subject. Diversity citizenship absolute. Nor asserted bar refused entertain, example, designed exact compliance penal laws, Wisconsin versus Pelican insurance Co., 127 265, 1370, 32 L.Ed. 239 (1888), seek embroil tribunal 'political questions,' Mississippi Johnson, Wall. 475, 18 437 (1867); Georgia Stanton, 50, 721 (1868), often adjudicated controversies seeking exists yet produces noxious consequences another. See Missouri 180 208, 21 331, 45 497 (1901) (complaint filed), 200 496, 26 268, 50 572 (1906) (final judgment); Tennessee Copper 206 230, 27 618, 51 1038 (1907); New York Jersey, 296, 41 492, 65 937 (1921); Jersey City, 283 473, 519, 75 1176 (1931). In short, precedent leads almost ineluctably conclusion empowered resolve dispute first instance.2 14 Ordinarily, foregoing would suffice settle issue presently consideration: whether granted complaint. it timehonored maxim Anglo-American common-law tradition court possessed generally must it. Cohens Virginia, Wheat. 264, 404, 257 (1821). Nevertheless, although may initially been contemplated always when properly called upon so, evident us changes American legal system development society rendered untenable, practical matter, view stand willing adjudicate most disputes arise citizen even though over 15 As social grown more increasingly become enmeshed multitude persons living outside their borders. Consider, frequency nonresidents clash application laws concerning taxes, motor vehicles, decedents' estates, torts, government contracts, so forth. It would, indeed, anomalous were held out potential forum settling such controversies. simultaneous 'long-arm jurisdiction' means, instances, no necessity impels perform role. And evolution responsibilities matters point where much sacrificed, little gained, exercising law. This paramount lie without exception domain impact structure common, statutory, constitutional expanded, attention necessarily drawn matters. We claim competence dealing numerous conflicts nonresident individuals raise serious 16 is, moreover, structured appellate tribunal, illequipped task factfinding forced, cases, awkwardly play role factfinder actually presiding evidence. problem merely lack qualifications many tasks potentially purview jurisdiction; compounded fact every might determine facts apply unfamiliar norms unavoidably reducing could give those import overseers. 17 Thus, think apparent recognize 'the need (for) sound discretion order protect abuse opportunity resort enforcement claims other States.' Massachusetts Missouri, 308 19, 60 39, 44, 84 (1939), Chief Hughes. also Pennsylvania R. 324 439, 464 465, 716, 729—730, 89 1051 (1945), id., at 469 471, 731—733 (dissenting opinion).3 believe, however, focus concern embodied above-quoted statement Hughes somewhat refined. opinion, discretion, simply shield noisome, vexatious, tasks, also, believe principally, technique promoting furthering assumptions value choices underlie current system. Protecting per se best secondary consideration. What gives rise recognizing preeminently diminished societal function enhanced final court. broader scope purposes inadequately take account general duty they possess. stage go further than hold that, entertain country can say assurance declination disserve any policies underlying jurisdictional grant wisdom persuade inappropriate consistent proposition legitimated use keep aspect functions attuned responsibilities. II 19 applying analysis here presented, wiser course 20 Two principles seem primarily underlain conferring cases country. was belief compelled tribunals redress, parochial factors lead appearance, if reality, partiality one's own. Chisholm Georgia, Dall. 419, 475 476, 440 (1793); U.S., 289, S.Ct., 1373. second State, needing alternative forum, had obtain aggrieved State. Neither think, implicated lawsuit. modern subject personam compelling made instant controversy, decide same common determination rest. essence, charged commission acts, albeit beyond territorial boundaries, produced and, said, continue produce disastrous effects own domain. Court, doubtless Canadian courts, assess validity decree Wyandotte, alert ascertain judgment rested even-handed justice, unlikely totally act allegations proved true. See, e.g., International Shoe 326 310, 66 154, 90 95 (1945); Aluminum America, 148 Reporter, 2nd 416 (CA2 1945); ALI, Restatement Foreign Relations Law 2d, 18. while cannot speak given reason less receptive enforcing issued refuse undermine authority bring here. B 22 Our thinking attempt present several. History prior efforts regarding interstate air water anything smooth. 520—522, 269 270, (1906), Holmes pains underscore great difficulty faced attempting pronounce suitable rule govern solution finally grasped saddle party relief unusually high standard proof 'which (it) prepared deliberately maintain considerations side,' 521, accommodation which, kind, found necessary ever since.4 309, 496. Clarke's closing plea 313, 498, strikingly illustrates sense futility accompanied attempts treat complex political inhere kind hand: 23 'We withhold suggestion, inspired consideration case, grave sewage disposal presented large growing populations shores Bay likely wisely solved co-operative study conference mutual concession part representatives states vitally interested however constituted.' 24 difficulties ordinarily beset severely particular setting controversy reached us. parties informed contradiction, number official already regulating conduct complained circuit enjoined operating cell process authorization. currently utilizing recycling specifically approved Water Resources Commission remains continued scrutiny agency. reports monthly Ontario commission's prohibiting passing environment. 25 Additionally, both participants Enforcement Conference, convened year ago Secretary Interior pursuant Pollution Control Act, 62 Statutes-at-Large 1155, amended. Conference studying forms sources pollution, including mercury, infecting Erie. purpose provide basis concerted remedial or, progress regard rapidly made, corrective initiated Government. 33 466g (1964 ed. Supp. V). Joint Commission, established Boundary Waters Treaty 1909 36 2448, January 14, 1971, comprehensive report, culmination six-year carried request contracting parties, document makes specific recommendations joint programs environmental hazards recommends IJC supervise coordinate effort. this, granting effect, commit resources trying small piece larger adjudicatory conciliatory grappling basis. brings equally disconcerting. fairly what facts. asked undertake least, formidable. know, just placed before motion, suffers mercury; scientific pollutant novel one; extent natural waters safely reasonably tolerated question there firm answer; virtually published research available describing how extract water. Indeed, raising essentially ones impression scientists. notion judges, assistance Special Master, appropriately time unravel complexities unrealistic. impose proof. serve mitigate personal result comports administration, lessen complexity preparing responsibly judgment, drain entail. Other abound. Department stated eight companies discharging, discharged, then, practices relative culpability frame appropriate now stress lawsuit difficult nothing distinguishes host might, equal justification, commenced entertaining fail principally with, pave way putting quandary whereby opt pick choose arbitrarily among similarly situated litigants devote truly enormous portions energies 29 To sum up, simplest sort extremely awkward vehicle manage. extra-ordinarily because inherent multiplicity governmental agencies involved. Its successful require skills factfinding, conciliation, detailed coordination with—and perhaps infrequent deference to—other bodies, close supervision performance industries. expertise others like it, reduce drastically proper forum. Such intrusion society's interest deliberate considerate could, view, justified strictest necessity, element evidently lacking instance. 30 cannot, course, taken denigrating slightest tackle. Reversing increasing environment manifestly fundamental utmost urgency. dealt above respecting assume eradicate blights. mean suggest limited, kept narrow bounds. 31 denied prejudice right commence proceedings. ordered. Motion denied. 34 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 35 presents basically classic type congenial nuisance. discharging gas across border Georgia. 1038. said: 'It fair reasonable demand sovereign territory polluted scale sulphurous acid gas, forests mountains, better worse, whatever domestic destruction suffered, destroyed threatened control, crops orchards hills endangered source.' Id., 238, 619. 37 Dumping stream, 572, towing garbage sea tides carry beaches, 1176, analogous situations entertained suits discharge compounds thereof, proved, certainly creates seriousness magnitude historic standards prosecute pursue parens patriae. 38 suit precluded 1909, 2448. IV provides 'boundary side injury health property other.' But machinery direct IV. 39 VIII empowers 'pass involving obstruction diversion respect Articles approval required.' Those describe projects required. '(p)arties will permit construction maintenance protective works dams obstructions effect level boundary unless Commission.' Significantly, proscription immediately follows provision IV, mention Commission. 40 X vest power render binding decisions referred consent parties. reference 'on advice Senate, His Majesty's Government Governor Council.' words, far concerned, contains arbitration. evince governments exclude Provinces remedies pollution. Congress later addressing itself 1151, (1970 ed.), 1(c): 42 'Nothing chapter construed impairing manner affecting (including waters) (Emphasis added.) 43 litigation, unfolds, will, deal portion domain—the navigable inland sovereignty Pollard's Lessee Hagan, How. 212, 565, decided 1845, control. dominion extends oceans low tide. California, 332 67 1658, 1889. 44 enacted reaching One pervasive Rivers Harbors Act 1899, 1121, amended, 403, Republic Steel Corp., 362 482, 80 884, 903. read 1899 407, forbids 'any description flowing streets sewers therefrom liquid state' particles suspension. 490, 889. 1930's fish wildlife legislation various heads 'domestic sewage, mine, petroleum, industrial wastes, erosion silt, substances.' 665. Among things, through Fish Wildlife Service gave Corps Engineers respects proposed dredging filling estuaries wildlife.1 46 Since design 1151 broad powers complaints procedures secure Ibid. National Environmental Policy 1969, 83 852, 4331 ed., V), elaborate ecological directions supplies enforcement. 47 On December 1970, President Executive Order2 correlates duties Administrator new Protection Agency statutes. Under Order 'to regulate pollutants tributaries' directed after consultation amend regulations issuance permits. denying permits, 2(a)(2), accept findings 'water quality standards,' 2(a)(2)(A). 31, notice rules discharges deposits waters.3 48 Yet scheme preemptive action. 1(b) declares policy recognize, preserve, rights preventing controlling polution.' 1151(b) ed.). except Attorney obtained 'State displaced action.' 10(b) 1160(b) (1971 49 Quality Improvement 114, 4371 stating protecting environment, states: implementing rests governments.' 4371(b)(2) There spite arsenal being done.4 That, problem. pre-empted existing indeed standards; agency sets defaults. 1160(c) word bars If, vastly different. not, appears light history control vast residual remedy nuisance.5 52 Much burdens perplexities actions. Some notably rights. 53 drainage attendant lowering levels, interests, came Hon. Charles E. Master. entered decree, 278 367, 163, 73 426, supplementary decrees.6 54 apportionment Colorado Arizona California massive undertaking entailing searching Simon Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Rifkind. decision based record him exceptions his Report. 373 546, 1468, 542. 55 North Platte River Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska named Michael Doherty. complicated dissenters viewed alarm, 325 589, 1332, 1815, demanded hour during years entered. 56 If sat jury, once did,7 powerful arguments abstention cases. practice appoint Master case. appoint—or authorize retain—a panel advisers. simple compared discussed above. known metallic deposited transformed dangerous chemical. extent, any, contributing time. determine, secondarily, manufacturing processes, processes available, specified polluter contrasted basin-wide regulation, like. 57 problem, clothed chemical secrecies, exposed experts. posed category head 58 tells barriers assumption jurisdiction.8 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions transcending one. treated General's brief, satisfactorily deals find unnecessary discuss opinion. possess citizenship, quite different two major issues: corporation 'contacts' sufficient personally us, service lawfully Were reserve pending ascertainment additional facts, rather now. ruling three unitary statute, 1251(b)(3), providing concurrent district reflects judgment. However, disposed transferring statute confer see C. Wright, Courts 502 (2d 1970), statutory exists. diversity support 1332 party. exist 1331. So record, otherwise cognizable court, Tompkins, 304 64, 817, 82 1188 (1938). Holmes' rest, part, why Arguably, unexceptionable never previously subjected involved, text, infra. Hearings Subcommittee Fisheries Conservation House Committee Merchant Marine Fisheries, Serial 90—3, Page seq. Exec. 11574, Fed.Reg. 19627. 20005. 983 policy, practice, procedure regard. Polikoff, Interlake Affair, Wash. Monthly, Vol. 3, (Mar. 1971). 2W. Blackstone, Commentaries *218 (Cooley 4th 1899): '(I)t stop divert run another's meadow mill; corrupt poison water-course, erecting dyehouse lime-pit trade, upper stream; short therein tend neighbour. closely England enforce excellent gospel morality, 'doing unto ourselves." 281 179, 696, 266, 74 799, 1123; 289 395, 671, 77 1283; 309 569, 789, 953; 311 107, 61 85 73; 313 547, 1090, 1513; 388 87 1774, 1290. Brailsford, 483. therefore teaching Mellon, 262 447, 485—486, 597, 600, 1078, '(w)hile state, some circumstances, sue (as patriae) protection (Missouri 241, 497), relations government. field represents them patriae, representation becomes appropriate; former, latter, look measures flow status.'

Classification Label: 7