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Environmental & Energy

Sep. 18, 2026

Judge skeptical of strict liability claim in Chiquita Canyon litigation

U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong indicated residents may proceed with a trespass claim but questioned whether allegedly dangerous conditions at the landfill support strict liability.

Judge skeptical of strict liability claim in Chiquita Canyon litigation
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A federal judge appeared poised Thursday to reject an effort by residents near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill to impose strict liability for allegedly hazardous conditions at the facility, while signaling that a separate trespass claim can proceed.

U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong questioned attorneys over challenges to recommendations by special master Daniel J. Buckley in consolidated litigation over emissions and other alleged harms from the Castaic landfill.

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