Sixth Circuit Clarifies CERCLA Statute of Limitations.

The article discusses a significant ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit regarding the timing of contribution claims under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. The court determined that a declaratory judgment establishing liability for response costs initiates the three-year statute of limitations for contribution actions, regardless of whether specific costs have been allocated among potentially responsible parties (PRPs). This ruling, stemming from a case involving the Kalamazoo River Superfund site in Michigan, emphasizes the necessity for PRPs to act promptly in pursuing contribution claims and to monitor judgments closely to avoid missing critical deadlines. The decision serves as a reminder for PRPs to engage legal counsel early in the process to assess potential liabilities effectively. [Extracted from the article]