Hernandez v. Esso Standard Oil Co.

FINDINGS OF FACT AND RULING ON PLAINTIFFS’ REQUEST FOR A CEASE AND DESIST ORDER

GELPI, United States Magistrate Judge.

INTRODUCTION

The plaintiffs, residents and property owners at La Vega Ward in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, filed a Complaint on March 2003, charging defendant Esso Standard Oil Company (Puerto Rico), Inc. (“Esso”) with violations to several federal environmental statutes, as well as to Puerto Rico nuisance and tort laws. They claim environmental damage as a result of contamination from leaking underground storage tanks at the Esso Service Station located in the community. They…