Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Violation Statute of Limitations

What is the Statute of Limitations for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Violations?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste. The statute of limitations for a violation of RCRA depends on the type of violation and the type of enforcement action being taken.

For administrative enforcement actions, such as notices of violation or compliance orders issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the statute of limitations is typically three years from the date of the violation.

For civil enforcement actions, such as lawsuits brought by the EPA or private citizens, the statute of limitations is typically three years from the date of the violation, or three years from the date when the violation was discovered, whichever is later.

For criminal enforcement actions, such as the prosecution of individuals or companies for knowingly or willfully violating RCRA, the statute of limitations is typically five years from the date of the violation.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines and the specific statute of limitations for a particular violation of RCRA may vary depending on the circumstances of the case. It's always best to consult with a lawyer or the relevant government agency for specific information on the statute of limitations for a particular RCRA violation.