Environmental News Flash: New Jersey Supreme Court Rules That Six-Year Statute Of Limitations Does Not Apply To Spill Act Claims
In a much anticipated decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled today in Morristown Associates v. Grant Oil Co. that the general six-year statute of limitations for injury to real property is not applicable to claims made pursuant to the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act (“Spill Act”). In reaching this decision, the Court noted that the Spill Act sets forth the only defenses available to contribution defendants and a statute of limitations defense is not included. Further, the Court explained that the New Jersey Legislature could not have intended for an unreferenced statute of limitations to impede the Spill Act’s imposition of contribution liability on responsible parties.
This case has significant implications. Parties performing remedial activities can proceed with the understanding that there is no time limit to file a contribution action. In doing so, plaintiffs will encounter less difficulty when attempting to recoup some, or all, of the costs associated with a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection approved cleanup. A more in-depth analysis will follow.
Please feel free to contact Richard Ericsson, the Chair of the Environmental Department, with any questions.
As the law continues to evolve on these matters, please note that this article is current as of date and time of publication and may not reflect subsequent developments. The content and interpretation of the issues addressed herein is subject to change. Cole Schotz P.C. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this publication to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or refrain from acting upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining legal, financial and tax advice. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your firm contact or to any of the attorneys listed in this publication.
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