Douglass v. Shamrock Paving, Inc.

This opinion was filed for record
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chiefjusuge SUSAN L CARLSON
SUPREME COURT CLERK
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
HARLAN D. DOUGLASS and
MAXINE H. DOUGLASS, husband
and wife,
No. 94087-8
Respondents,
V. EN BANC
SHAMROCK PAVING, INC., a
Washington corporation. FILED ^ ^
Petitioner.
FAIRHURST, C.J.—Landowners Harlan and Maxine Douglass (Douglass)
brought a private right of action against Shamrock Paving Inc. under the Model
Toxics Control Act (MTCA), chapter 70.105D RCW, to recover costs incurred from
an alleged remedial action. Shamrock trespassed onto Douglass' vacant property and
spilled unknown amounts of lube oil. Douglass paid for soil testing and soil removal
to clean up his property and now seeks recovery of those costs under the MTCA. At
issue is the interpretation of "remedial action" within the statute, whether the lube
Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
oil on Douglass' property created a "potential threat" to human health or the
environment, and which party is entitled to prevailing party status for purposes of
awarding attorney fees. RCW 70.105D.020(33), .080. We affirm the Court of
Appeals' holding that Douglass' soil testing was a remedial action but his soil
removal was not. We reverse the Court of Appeals' prevailing party designation
because it was made prematurely. We remand the case to the trial court.
I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
A. Factual background
Shamrock fueled its equipment, cleaned its machines, and stored its materials
on Douglass' property while carrying out a paving project for the Washington State
Department of Transportation. Based on these activities, the trial court found that
Shamrock spilled unknown amounts oflube oil onto the property. Lube oil is a heavy
oil (petroleum product) that is a "hazardous substance." RCW 70.105D.020(13)(d).
After Shamrock's activities ceased, Douglass hired Tetra Tech Inc., an
environmental consulting firm, to investigate the contamination on his property.
Tetra Tech took three separate samples, measuring lube oil at 2,000 mg/kg, 800
mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg. After reviewing the samples, Douglass ordered Tetra Tech
to perform a cleanup operation, removing 68 tons of soil from the property. After
the cleanup, Tetra Tech took two additional samples, measuring lube oil at 220
mg/kg and at less than 100 mg/kg.
Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
B. Procedural history
Douglass initially sued Shamrock for trespass and nuisance. After testing the
soil, Douglass amended the complaint to add a private right of action claim under
the MTCA. The issues were bifurcated. A jury heard the trespass and nuisance
claims and returned a verdict in favor of Douglass. The jury denied Douglass'
request for cleanup costs. The judge heard the MTCA claim and found Shamrock
had contributed to the release of hazardous substances, but denied Douglass' private
right of action because Douglass failed to prove that the lube oil was a threat to
human health or the environment. The judge designated Shamrock as the prevailing
party pursuant to the MTCA and awarded attorney fees.
Douglass appealed, and the Court of Appeals reversed. Douglass v. Shamrock
Paving,Inc., 196 Wn. App. 849,384 P.3d 673(2016). The Court of Appeals focused
on whether Douglass conducted a "remedial action" and ultimately concluded that
the soil testing (investigation) was a "remedial action" based on the statutory
definition but the soil removal (cleanup) was not. Id. at 860. The court relied on the
MTCA's plain language, finding that "remedial action" includes "actions and
expenditures taken to discern whether a potential threat in fact poses a danger to
human health or the environment." Id. at 857. The court distinguished Division
Two's prior interpretation of "remedial action" because that case considered only
cleanup costs, not investigative costs. Id. at 857-58 (referring to Seattle City Light v.
Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
Dep't ofTransp., 98 Wn. App. 165, 989 P.2d 1164 (1999)). Regarding Douglass'
cleanup costs, the Court of Appeals explained that "a cleanup effort must address a
hazardous substance posing a threat or potential threat to human health or the
environment." Id. at 859. The court deferred to the trial court's conclusion that the
lube oil contamination did not meet this standard; thus, no recovery for cleanup costs
was warranted. Id. Since Douglass established the elements of his MTCA claim for
investigative costs, the Court of Appeals designated him the prevailing party entitled
to recover attorney fees. Id. at 860. The court then remanded the case to the trial
court to complete an assessment of equitable factors to determine the exact recovery
amount. Id. at 858.
Shamrock sought review ofthe Court of Appeals' decision. Douglass filed an
answer asking the court to deny Shamrock's petition and filed a cross petition for
review ofthe cleanup cost recovery. We granted review of both petitions. Douglass
V. Shamrock Paving, Inc., 188 Wn.2d 1020, 399 P.3d 1105 (2017).
II. ISSUES
A. When lube oil contamination meets but does not exceed the Department
of Ecology's (Ecology) cleanup level, can a party recover the cost of investigative
activities as remedial action costs under MTCA's private right of action?
B. Does lube oil contamination that meets but does not exceed Ecology's
cleanup level pose a potential threat to human health or the environment?
Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
C. Under the MTCA, is a party who recovers remedial action costs the
prevailing party, entitled to attorney fees, including costs on appeal?
III. ANALYSIS
The MTCA provides a private right of action to recover remedial action costs
(also referred to as a contribution claim). RCW 70.105D.080. The statutory claim
provides that (a) "[r]ecovery of remedial action costs shall be limited to those
remedial actions that, when evaluated as a whole, are the substantial equivalent of a
department-conducted or department-supervised remedial action," (b) remedial
action costs "shall include reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses,"(c) the judge
determines the recovery award "based on such equitable factors as the court
determines are appropriate," and (d)"[t]he prevailing party in such an action shall
recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs." Id. "Remedial action" is defined as
any action or expenditure consistent with the purposes of this chapter
to identify, eliminate, or minimize any threat or potential threat posed
by hazardous substances to human health or the environment including
any investigative and monitoring activities with respect to any release
or threatened release of a hazardous substance and any health
assessments or health effects studies conducted in order to determine
the risk or potential risk to human health.
RCW70.105D.020(33).
This case requires us to interpret both provisions, along with Ecology's
corresponding regulations. Statutory interpretation is a question of law reviewed de
novo. Dep't of Ecology v. Campbell & Gwinn, LLC, 146 Wn.2d 1, 9, 43 P.3d 4Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
(2002)(citing State v. Breazeale, 144 Wn.2d 829, 837, 31 P.3d 1155 (2001); State
V. J.M., 144 Wn.2d 472, 480, 28 P.3d 720 (2001)). When ascertaining the plain
meaning,the court considers the ordinary meaning of words, basic rules ofgrammar,
and statutory context. Citizens All.for Prop. Rights Legal Fund v. San Juan County,
184 Wn.2d 428, 435, 359 P.3d 753 (2015)(citing In re Forfeiture of One 1970
Chevrolet Chevelle, 166 Wn.2d 834, 838-39, 215 P.3d 166 (2009)). If the meaning
of the statute is plain on its face, the court must give it effect. Campbell & Gwinn,
146 Wn.2d at 9-10. However,ifthe statute remains susceptible to multiple meanings,
it is appropriate for the court to resort to aids to construction, including legislative
history. Id. at 12(citing Cockle v. Dep't ofLabor & Indus., 142 Wn.2d 801, 808, 16
P.3d 583 (2001); Timberline Air Serv., Inc. v. Bell Helicopter-Textron, Inc., 125
Wn.2d 305, 312, 884 P.2d 920 (1994)).
Based on our interpretation, we affirm the Court ofAppeals in part and reverse
in part. We affirm the Court of Appeals' decision that Douglass' investigative costs
are recoverable remedial action costs but his cleanup costs are not. We reverse the
Court of Appeals' designation of Douglass as the prevailing party because that
designation was premature.
Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
A. "Remedial action" includes investigative activities of hazardous substances,
but recovery of those costs may be limited
1. The plain meaning of "remedial action" includes investigative
activities
The plain meaning of "remedial action" can be ascertained through the
ordinary meaning of words and basic rules of grammar. The MTCA is "to be
liberally construed," RCW 70.105D.910, yet the court will not put forth strained
interpretations, Bird-Johnson Corp. v. Dana Corp., 119 Wn.2d 423, 427, 833 P.2d
375(1992)(citing Draper Mach. Works, Inc. v. Dep't ofNat. Res., 117 Wn.2d 306,
315, 815 P.2d 770 (1991)). The first clause of the "remedial action" definition
provides the operative meaning:"any action ... to identify, eliminate, or minimize
any threat or potential threat posed by hazardous substances to human health or the
environment." RCW 70.105D.020(33). The second clause begins with "including,"
which is generally construed as a term ofenlargement, not limitation.Id.; see Queets
Band ofIndians v. State, 102 Wn.2d 1, 4, 682 P.2d 909 (1984). Specifically, the
second clause enlarges the definition of "remedial action" to include "any
investigative and monitoring activities with respect to any release or threatened
release ofa hazardous substance and any health assessments or health effects studies
conducted in order to determine the risk or potential risk to human health." RCW
70.105D.020(33).
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Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
The Court of Appeals correctly interpreted the term "remedial action."
"Remedial action" includes investigative activities because it is plainly stated within
the defmition-'remedial action" means "any action . . . including any investigative
and monitoring activities." Id. Shamrock agrees that investigative activities are
remedial actions, but only under limited circumstances. Shamrock argues that the
Court of Appeals effectively added words to the statutory definition of "remedial
action" so that it includes actions "to identify [whether] . . . any threat or potential
threat posed by hazardous substances [exists]." Id.\ Pet. for Review at 14. But
Shamrock's proposed interpretation is subject to the same alleged defect. Shamrock
asserts that "'remedial action' means actions that result in the identification of a
threat or potential threat." Pet. for Review at 10. This assertion adds words to the
statute because the definition makes no reference to the result of an investigation.
Douglass agrees with the Court of Appeals' interpretation that remedial action
includes investigative activities. Suppl. Br. of Resp'ts at 8. The Court of Appeals
correctly interpreted the plain meaning of"remedial action" to include investigative
activities because the legislature explicitly described those identifying activities as
"investigati[ons]... with respect to any release or threatened release of a hazardous
substance." RCW 70.105D.020(33). The investigations concern any release of a
hazardous substance, not a specified quantity that exceeds the cleanup level.
Ecology, in its amicus brief, agrees that the outcome of the investigation is not
Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
dispositive. Amicus Curiae Br. of Ecology at 7. Based on the plain meaning of the
statute, investigations of hazardous substances are remedial actions because their
purpose is to "discern whether such a threat exists." Douglass, 196 Wn. App. at 858.
Douglass' soil testing was a remedial action under the MTCA because its purpose
was to investigate the release of lube oil.
2. Remedial action costs are not automatically recovered
The Court of Appeals correctly refrained from making a final determination
of Douglass' recovery amount because the case needed to be "remanded for an
assessment of equitable factors." Id. Shamrock is not automatically liable for
remedial action costs. Nonetheless, Shamrock argues that the Court of Appeals'
interpretation imposes a strict liability standard, forcing it to pay for investigatory
activities without establishing a minimum level of harm or culpability. Suppl. Br. of
Pet'r at 13-14. Shamrock's argument is based on a misinterpretation ofthe statute.
The MTCA imposes limitations on the recovery of remedial action costs.
Contrary to Shamrock's concerns, no provision provides automatic recovery of any
and all costs spent on remedial actions. Recovery is limited to remedial action costs
that are the substantial equivalent of Ecology's remedial actions. Ecology is
empowered to "[ijnvestigate . . . any releases or threatened releases of hazardous
substances, including but not limited to inspecting, sampling, or testing to determine
the nature or extent of any release or threatened release." RCW 70.105D.030(l)(a).
Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
"If there is a reasonable basis to believe that a release or threatened release of a
hazardous substance may exist, the department's authorized employees, agents, or
contractors may enter upon any property and conduct investigations." Id. Through
its regulations, Ecology provides the steps for a typical cleanup process. First, a
release of hazardous substances is reported to Ecology. WAC 173-340-120(2)(a).
Next, Ecology conducts an initial investigation. WAC 173-340-120(2)(b). An
"initial investigation" is "an inspection of a suspected site by the department and
documentation of conditions observed during that site inspection." WAC 173-340-
310(1). Douglass' investigation was substantially equivalent to Ecology's initial
investigation, and the record supports the fact that there was a reasonable basis to
believe that a release of hazardous substances occurred because of Shamrock's
trespassory activities on the property.
After the remedial action costs are defined, the judge determines the actual
recovery award based on "such equitable factors as the court determines are
appropriate." RCW 70.105D.080; see, e.g., PacifiCorp. Envtl. Remediation Co. v.
Dep't ofTransp., 162 Wn. App. 627, 666,259 P.3d 1115(2011)(affirming the trial
court's equitable assessment); Dash Point Vill. Assocs. v. Exxon Corp., 86 Wn. App.
596, 607, 937 P.2d 1148, 971 P.2d 57(1997)(affirming the trial court's equitable
assessment). If Shamrock had spilled one drop of lube oil and Douglass paid for an
investigation of his entire property,the recovery may be little to none.In Seattle City
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Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
Light, the court explained the possible outcomes depending on the equitable
assessment—^the liable party may have to pay for all remedial action costs, some
costs, or none at all. 98 Wn. App. at 175. This equitable assessment prevents absurd
or unfair results.
I
B. Compliance with cleanup levels protects, rather than threatens, human health
and the environment
Douglass argues that the Court of Appeals wrongly denied his remedial action
costs incurred through cleanup operations. To recover, Douglass must prove that the
hazardous substance poses a threat or potential threat to human health or the
environment. RCW 70.105D.020(33); Seattle City Light, 98 Wn. App. at 170.
Douglass does not dispute this standard. Instead, Douglass argues that lube oil
contamination of 2,000 mg/kg is a potential threat to human health or the
environment. Suppl. Br. of Resp'ts at 10.
The MTCA instructs Ecology to maintain "minimum clean-up standards for
remedial actions." RCW 70.105D.030(2)(e). Ecology defines "cleanup level" as the
"concentration of a hazardous substance . . . that is determined to be protective of
human health and the environment." WAC 173-340-200(emphasis added). The soil
cleanup level for lube oil on unrestricted properties is 2,000 mg/kg. WAC 173-340-
900,tbl.740-1. The cleanup level provides a conservative metric such that exceeding
2,000 mg/kg "do[es] not necessarily mean the soil must be restored to these levels."
WAC 173-340-900, tbl.740-1, n.a. Conversely, Ecology may require a more
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Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
stringent cleanup level (less than 2,000 mg/kg) "when[,] based on a site-specific
evaluation, [Ecology] determines that such levels are necessary to protect human
health and the environment." WAC 173-340-704(3). Because Ecology never
performed a site-specific evaluation ofDouglass' property,this case does not present
that situation. Without Ecology's evaluation, it is appropriate to apply the published
cleanup levels to Douglass' property.' When Douglass elected to perform the
cleanup, the lube oil contamination ranged from 400-2,000 mg/kg, which, according
to Ecology's published cleanup levels, is "protective of human health and the
environment." WAC 173-340-200; WAC 173-340-900, tbl.740-1. The trial court
and Court of Appeals correctly concluded that no potential threat existed. There was
no threat to eliminate or minimize and, thus, no remedial action costs to recover for
cleanup.
'We defer to Ecology "on teehnieal issues based on Ecology's specialized expertise." Port
ofSeattle v. Pollution Control Hr'gs Bd., 151 Wn.2d 568,595,90 P.3d 659(2004);see also Hillis
V. Dep't ofEcology, 131 Wn.2d 373, 396, 932 P.2d 139 (1997)(substantial deference to agency
views is appropriate"when an agency determination is based heavily on factual matters, especially
factual matters which are complex, technical, and close to the heart of the agency's expertise").
Determining the level of lube oil that constitutes a threat or potential threat to human health or the
environment is a technical issue requiring expertise. In the absence of Ecology's site-specifie
evaluation, the court defers to the published cleanup levels.
Furthermore, all three expert witnesses supported the trial court's conclusion that there was
no threat or potential threat. Shamrock's expert, Jeff Lambert, an environmental scientist and
engineer, opined that the lube oil at Douglass' property did not constitute a threat or potential threat
to human health or the environment. Philip Leinart, an MTCA investigator at Ecology, agreed.
Even Douglass' expert scientist from Tetra Tech, Jon Welge, after reviewing the lube oil results
at 2,000 mg/kg, included a recommendation of taking no action.
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Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
C. The prevailing party designation was made prematurely
Under the MTCA, the prevailing party in a private right of action "shall
recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs." RCW 70.105D.080. The
"prevailing party" is not defined, but the meaning is clear—^the "prevailing party" is
the party that either recovers remedial action costs or successfully defends against a
claim for such costs. See Riss v. Angel, 131 Wn.2d 612, 633, 934 P.2d 669(1997)
("In general, a prevailing party is one who receives an affirmative judgment in his
or her favor." (citing Schmidt v. Cornerstone Invs., Inc., 115 Wn.2d 148, 164, 795
P.2d 1143 (1990))); AllianceOne Receivables Mgmt., Inc. v. Lewis, 180 Wn.2d389,
399, 325 P.3d 904 (2014) (requiring a final judgment before designating the
prevailing party under RCW 4.84.250 and .270); Webster's Third New
International Dictionary 1797(3d ed. 2002)("prevail" defined:"to gain victory
by virtue of strength or superiority : win mastery"). The recovery amount, or
percentage recovered in comparison to the amount sought, is not dispositive to
determine prevailing party status.^ In reference to the attorney fee provision in our
civil forfeiture statute(RCW 69.50.505(6)), we explained that a '"prevailing party'
is any party that receives some judgment in its favor." Guillen v. Contreras, 169
^ We recognize that "[t]he amount of recovery may be a relevant consideration in
determining the reasonableness of a fee award," but this consideration has no bearing on the
prevailing party status. Brand v. Dep't ofLabor & Indus., 139 Wn.2d 659, 666, 989 P.2d IIII
(1999).
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Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
Wn.2d 769,775,238 P.3d 1168(2010)(emphasis added); see also Ennis v. Ring, 56
Wn.2d 465, 473, 341 P.2d 885, 353 P.2d 950 (1959)("The prevailing party is the
one who has an affirmative judgment rendered in his favor at the conclusion of the
entire case."); Black's Law Dictionary 1298 (10th ed. 2014)(The "prevailing
party" is the "party in whose favor a judgment is rendered, regardless ofthe amount
of damages awarded."). Therefore, prevailing party status depends on whether
Douglass recovers his remedial action costs.
The Court of Appeals required only "the elements of a contribution claim" ^
to prevail. Douglass, 196 Wn. App. at 860 (citing Taliesen Corp. v. Razore Land
Co., 135 Wn. App. 106, 141, 144 P.3d 1185 (2006)). This, by itself, is insufficient.
The equitable assessment must occur prior to designation of the prevailing party.
Therefore, we remand the case to the trial court to conduct an equitable assessment.
Ifthe trial court awards remedial action cost recovery for at least some ofDouglass'
costs, Douglass will be the prevailing party, entitled to attorney fees."^
IV. CONCLUSION
We hold that Douglass' investigative activities were remedial actions but his
recovery of investigative costs may be limited according to the court's equitable
^ As indicated in Part III, supra, the MICA private right of action is also referred to as a
contribution claim.
Douglass requested attorney fees in his cross petition for review. We deeline this request.
Attorney fees will be awarded to the prevailing party, and that designation has not yet been made.
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Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
determination. Based on the soil samples, Ecology's regulations, and expert
testimony, the circumstances at Douglass' property did not constitute a potential
threat to human health or the environment. We affirm the Court of Appeals' holding
that Douglass' investigatory costs are recoverable remedial action costs but that his
cleanup costs are not. We reverse the Court of Appeals' designation of a prevailing
party because it was made prematurely. We remand the case to the trial court to
conduct an equitable assessment, determine the amount ofDouglass' remedial action
cost recovery (if any), designate a prevailing party, and award attorney fees.
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Douglass V. Shamrock Paving, No. 94087-8
'^OMkAAMh tC
WE CONCUR:
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