Coastal Refining and Marketing contracted with Certified Supply Corporation and Chief Supply Corporation to dispose of up to 500,000 pounds of Coastal's hazardous waste located on Coastal's property in four containers: two above-ground emulsion breaking tanks, one API separator, and one in-ground tank. Certified and Chief subcontracted with Haz-Mat Response, Inc. to perform the work.
Problems arose during performance of the contract, and although Haz-Mat removed the waste from the storage tanks, it was not disposed of as required by contract. The result was leakage and contamination of the site that Haz-Mat used. Who is responsible for the clean-up of the site where Haz-Mat disposed of the materials?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Haz-Mat is directly responsible for the improper disposal and resulting contamination. Coastal, as the original waste owner, retains ultimate responsibility for its disposal. Certified and Chief, as intermediaries, share responsibility for ensuring the contract's proper execution. Thus, all parties involved in the waste's chain of custody and disposal process share responsibility for the cleanup.

Coastal Refining and Marketing Contracted with Certified Supply Corporation and Chief