El Paso Natural Gas Company v. United States

Opinion for the Court filed by Senior Circuit Judge EDWARDS.

EDWARDS, Senior Circuit Judge:

Table of Contents

Introduction

Summary

RCRA Claims Relating to the Dump

The District Court’s Dismissal of Appellants ’ RCRA Claims as to the Dump “With Prejudice”

RCRA Claims Relating to the Highway 160 Site

The Government’s Contingent RCRA Counterclaim

The Tribe’s Mill Tailings Act Claims

The Tribe’s Remaining Statutory Claims

The Tribe’s Breach of Trust Claim

I.Background

A. The Mill

B. The Highway 160 Site

C. The Dump

II.Analysis

A. RCRA Claims as to the Dump

1. CERCLA § 104 Authority

2. Frey’s “Objective Indicator”…