(a)(1) This part governs all administrative proceedings for the total or partial denial of response claims asserted against the Hazardous Substance Superfund (the Fund) pursuant to sections 111(a)(2) and 122(b)(1) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.

(2) Sections 111(a)(2) and 122(b)(1) of CERCLA authorize EPA, among other things, to use the Fund to reimburse certain persons who file claims for eligible response costs incurred in carrying out the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), 40 CFR part 300. In the event that the Claims Official declines to pay all or part of a claim, a claimant may request an administrative hearing pursuant to § 305.4(a) within 30 days after receiving notice of the Claims Official's decision. The procedures governing such a proceeding are set forth in this part.

(b) Procedural questions arising at any stage of the proceeding which are not addressed in this part shall be resolved at the discretion of the Claims Official, the Review Officer, or the Presiding Officer, as appropriate.

As used in this part, words in the singular also include the plural and words in the masculine gender also include the feminine, as the case may require.

(a) The following definitions apply to this part:

Administrative Law Judge means an Administrative Law Judge appointed under 5 U.S.C. 3105.

Agency or EPA means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

CERCLA or the Act means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.

Claim means a demand in writing for a sum certain, which is presented to the Fund in accordance with CERCLA sections 111 and 112.

Claimant means any person who presents a claim to the Fund for reimbursement under CERCLA section 112(b)(1).

Claims Official means the Assistant Administrator or the Regional Administrator or his delegatee who makes the initial decision awarding or denying a claim in whole or in part.

Confidential business information or CBI means business information for which a person has made a “business confidentiality claim” as defined in 40 CFR 2.201(h) and in accordance with all applicable provisions in 40 CFR part 2, subpart B, except insofar as the Administrator has denied the claim pursuant to the procedures in 40 CFR part 2, subpart B.

Final order means the decision of the Review Officer which has become final in accordance with § 305.4(a), or of the Presiding Officer, or in the case of a voluntary agreement (see § 305.25) of the parties, disposing of all legal and factual matters presented in the Request for a Hearing. A final order made by the Review Officer or the Presiding Officer shall contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, as well as the reasons therefore, and an order for an award of a sum certain, or an explanation of why no award is granted. The final order may consist of one or more of the following documents: the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order of the Review Officer or the Presiding Officer; a voluntary agreement; an accelerated order; or a default order, if the default order provides for dismissal of the Request for a Hearing with prejudice. A final order is the final administrative decision of the Agency and (with the exception of a voluntary agreement) is appealable to the Federal district court for the district where the release or threat of release took place.

Fund or Superfund means the Hazardous Substance Superfund established by section 9507 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Hearing means a hearing on the record open to the public and conducted under this part.

Hearing Clerk means the Hearing Clerk, A-110, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.

National Contingency Plan or NCP means the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan developed under section 311(c) of the Clean Water Act and revised pursuant to section 105 of CERCLA (40 CFR part 300).

Party means EPA or any person that participates in a proceeding under this part as a Requestor.

Preauthorization means EPA's prior approval to submit a claim against the Fund for necessary response costs incurred as a result of carrying out the NCP.

Presiding Officer means the Administrative Law Judge designated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge, or the Chief Administrative Law Judge himself, in the absence of such designation, to conduct a hearing pursuant to this part.

Proceeding means the entire process of review of a claim conducted pursuant to this part that is initiated by a Request for a Hearing. A hearing is part of a proceeding.

Request for a Hearing means a written notice requesting an administrative hearing of the total or partial denial of a claim by the Claims Official. Such hearing shall be governed by this part.

Requestor is the party who files a Request for a Hearing.

Review Officer means the EPA Administrator or his delegatee who is authorized to exercise all powers and duties prescribed or delegated under the Act or this part to him.

Voluntary agreement (see § 305.25) means a written communication, signed by all the parties or their counsel or representatives, containing an order acceptable to both the Requestor and EPA. A voluntary agreement shall state that, for purposes of this proceeding, EPA consents to the award of a sum certain to the Requestor or such other consideration as the parties deem appropriate. A voluntary agreement is effective without approval of the Presiding Officer and is a final order as defined in this part.

(b) Terms defined in CERCLA or in 40 CFR part 300 and not defined in this part are used consistent with the meanings given in CERCLA or 40 CFR part 300.

(a) Review Officer. The Review Officer is authorized to receive Requests for a Hearing; attempt to promote settlement; make the decision of the Agency on the claim if the claimant does not request referral of the Request for a Hearing to the Chief Administrative Law Judge; and refer a Request for a Hearing to the Chief Administrative Law Judge when necessary. The Review Officer shall make the decision of the Agency on the claim in writing and shall serve the Requestor and the Claims Official with a copy of his decision. The Review Officer may, sua sponte, without ruling on the merits of the Request for a Hearing, refer it to the Chief Adminstrative Law Judge for decision. If the Requestor is not satisfied with the decision of the Review Officer, he may, within 10 days of service of such decision, request that the Review Officer refer the Request for a Hearing to the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The Requestor shall also serve such notice on the Claims Official. Otherwise the decision of the Review Officer is a final order. When referring a matter to the Chief Administrative Law Judge, the Review Officer shall include the Request for a Hearing, a copy of his decision, and any other pertinent documents. The Review Officer also shall notify the Requestor, the Hearing Clerk, and the Claims Official when he refers a Request for a Hearing to the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The Hearing Clerk, shall, upon receipt of the relevant documents, establish a file for the hearing. Thereafter, a copy of all pleadings must be filed with the Hearing Clerk. This requirement is in addition to the applicable service of documentation requirements contained in § 305.5(b)(2). The Review Officer shall exercise all other powers and duties prescribed or delegated to him under the Act or this part.

(b) Presiding Officer. Upon receipt from the Review Officer of the Request for a Hearing, the Chief Administrative Law Judge shall designate himself or another Administrative Law Judge as Presiding Officer and shall transmit all documents related to the Request for a Hearing to the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer shall then notify the parties of his assignment pursuant to § 305.4(c). The Presiding Officer shall conduct a fair and impartial proceeding, assure that the facts are fully elicited, adjudicate all issues, and avoid delay. The Presiding Officer shall have authority to:

(1) Conduct administrative hearings under this part;

(2) Rule upon motions, requests, and offers of proof, dispose of procedural requests, and issue all necessary orders;

(3) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(4) Examine witnesses and receive documentary or other evidence;

(5) Order a party, or an officer or agent thereof, for good cause, upon motion, or sua sponte, to produce testimony, documents, or other nonprivileged evidence, and failing the production thereof without good cause being shown, draw adverse inferences against that party;

(6) Admit or exclude evidence;

(7) Hear and decide questions of law and fact;

(8) Require parties to attend conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues, or the expedition of the proceedings;

(9) Extend the time limit for a final order in the hearing for a period not to exceed 60 days;

(10) Render findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a final order;

(11) Assess costs of the proceeding pursuant to § 305.36(b);

(12) Do all other acts and take all measures necessary for the maintenance of order and for the efficient and impartial adjudication of issues arising in proceedings governed by this part; and

(13) Resolve all disputes based on the evidence and applicable law; see § 305.31 concerning evidence.

(c) The Presiding Officer shall notify the parties that the Request for a Hearing has been assigned to him, and that he has received the case file from the Chief Administrative Law Judge. After ruling on any objections to jurisdiction, or final disposition of any objections to disqualification, the Presiding Officer shall render a final order within 90 days after he affirmatively accepts such jurisdiction. The Presiding Officer shall render a final order within the allotted time, unless all parties agree in writing to an extension, or unless, in his discretion, either upon motion of a party or sua sponte, he allows an extension of time not to exceed 60 days. If all parties agree in writing to an extension of the time period within which the Presiding Officer must issue a final order, the extension shall be for the period agreed to in writing by all parties. There are no limits to such periods other than that to which the parties have agreed in writing. An agreement by the parties to extend the time limit does not preclude the Presiding Officer from extending the time limit to issue a final order sua sponte or upon motion of a party, nor does an extension by the Presiding Officer preclude the parties from agreeing to an extension.

(d) Disqualification; withdrawal. (1) Neither the Review Officer nor the Presiding Officer may perform functions provided for in this part regarding any matter in which he: has a financial interest; or has any relationship with a party or with the subject matter that would make it inappropriate for him to act. A party shall, by motion presented within 5 days after receiving notice of the assignment of the Presiding Officer, make any objection to his assignment. Otherwise, any objections to the qualifications of the Presiding Officer are waived, unless such objections arise after the time for presenting objections allowed by this paragraph. In such case, any objection must be made within 5 days of the time within which it arose. Either party may appeal the Presiding Officer's ruling on a motion to disqualify him to the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The Chief Administrative Law Judge shall rule on such motion in a timely fashion. When the Chief Administrative Law Judge is the Presiding Officer, he shall refer any challenge to his qualification to hear the case to another Administrative Law Judge for decision. The Review Officer or the Presiding Officer may at any time withdraw from any proceeding in which he deems himself disqualified or unable to act for any reason.

(2) If the Review Officer or the Presiding Officer is disqualified or withdraws from the proceeding, a qualified individual who has none of the infirmities listed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall be assigned to replace him. The Administrator shall appoint a new Review Officer. The Chief Administrative Law Judge shall assign a new Presiding Officer from among the available Administrative Law Judges.

(3) The Chief Administrative Law Judge shall have the power to rule on motions for disqualification as described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section and may, at any stage in the hearing, reassign the case to an Administrative Law Judge other than the one originally assigned in the event of the unavailability of the Administrative Law Judge or where reassignment will result in efficiency in the scheduling of hearings and will not prejudice the parties.

(a) Filing of pleadings and documents. (1) The original and one copy of the Request for a Hearing shall be served on the Review Officer. Service on the Review Officer shall be made in the manner prescribed by paragraph (b) of this section. The Requestor shall serve his Request for a Hearing on the Review Officer within 30 days of receipt of the Claims Official's decision. The Review Officer shall promptly notify the Claims Official of receipt of a Request for a Hearing and shall provide him a copy of such request. The original of all other pleadings and documents shall be filed with the appropriate official and a copy served on each party.

(2) A certificate of service shall accompany each document filed or served. Except as otherwise provided, a party filing documents with the Hearing Clerk, after filing of the answer, shall serve copies thereof upon all other parties and the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer shall maintain a duplicate file during the course of the proceeding.

(3) When the Presiding Officer corresponds directly with a party, the original of the correspondence shall be sent to the Hearing Clerk, a copy shall be maintained by the Presiding Officer in the duplicate file, and a copy shall be sent to all parties. A party who corresponds directly with the Presiding Officer shall, in addition to serving all other parties, send a copy of all such correspondence to the Hearing Clerk. A certificate of service shall accompany each document served under this paragraph.

(b) Service of pleadings and documents—(1) Service of Request for a Hearing. Service of a signed original Request for a Hearing with copy thereof may be made on the Review Officer either personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested. The Review Officer shall assign a docket number to the Request for a Hearing, and shall notify the Requestor, the Hearing Clerk, and the Claims Official of such docket number.

(2) Service of documents other than the Request for a Hearing. (i) All documents other than the Request for a Hearing may be served on the appropriate official personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by first class mail, postage pre-paid. After initiation of the hearing, a party serving any document must also submit a copy of such document to the Hearing Clerk.

(ii) Service upon the Claims Official, the Review Officer, or the Hearing Clerk shall be made by delivering two copies of the document to the appropriate official in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section.

(iii) Service upon a domestic or foreign corporation or upon a partnership or other unincorporated association that is subject to an action under a common name shall be made in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, directed to an officer, partner, a managing or general agent, or to any other person authorized by appointment or by Federal or State law to receive service of process.

(iv) Service upon a State or local unit of government, or a State or local officer, agency, department, corporation or other instrumentality shall be made by serving a copy of the document in the manner prescribed by the law of the State for the service of process on any such persons, or:

(A) If upon a State or local unit of government, or a State or local department, agency, corporation or other instrumentality, by personal service or certified mail, as prescribed by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, directed to the Chief Executive Officer thereof;

(B) If upon a State or local officer, by personal service or certified mail, as prescribed by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, to such officer.

(v) Service upon an officer of agency of the United States shall be made by delivering a copy of the document to the officer or agency, or in any manner prescribed for service by applicable regulations. If the agency is a corporation, the document shall be served as prescribed in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section.

(c) Form of pleadings and documents. (1) Except as provided herein, or by order of the Presiding Officer, there are no specific requirements as to the form of documents.

(2) The first page of every pleading, letter, or other document shall contain a caption identifying the Requestor, the docket number assigned by the Review Officer, and the official to whom the document is directed. All pleadings greater than ten pages in length, and all legal briefs, shall contain a table of contents and a table of citations with page references.

(3) The original of any pleading, letter or other document (other than exhibits) shall be signed by the party filing or by his counsel or other representative. The signature constitutes a representation by the signer that he has read the pleading, letter, or other document, that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the statements made therein are true, and that it is not interposed for delay.

(4) The initial document filed by any party shall contain his name, address and telephone number. Any changes in this information shall be communicated promptly to the appropriate official, and all parties to the proceeding. A party who fails to furnish such information and any changes thereto shall be deemed to have waived his right to notice and service under this part.

(5) The Claims Official, Review Officer, Presiding Officer, or Hearing Clerk may refuse to file any document which does not comply with paragraph (c) of this section. Written notice of such refusal, stating the reasons therefore, shall be promptly given to the party submitting the document. Such party may amend and resubmit any document refused for filing, if such amendment and resubmission is timely. If, for good cause shown, amendment and resubmission is not timely, a party may request an extension of the time in which to submit a document to the appropriate official.

(d) Confidential Business Information. (1) Any person filing or serving any pleading or document under this part containing information claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI) shall assert the claim as specified in 40 CFR 2.203(b). The failure to assert a CBI claim in accordance with this section, at the time the pleading or document is filed or served, shall constitute a waiver of any rights to assert any CBI claim with respect to the business information in the pleading or document.

(2) Any pleading or document containing CBI shall be filed in a double envelope. The outside envelope should not mention that CBI is contained. The inside envelope shall specify the envelope contains CBI.

(3) For each original or copy of each pleading or document filed or served which contains CBI, the person shall submit two versions.

(i) One version must be complete. In that version, the person shall mark the specific information claimed as CBI pursuant to this section.

(ii) The CBI must be deleted in the second version, and all information claimed as CBI must be indicated in such version, as well as the nature of the information claimed as CBI, and the fact that another version containing the CBI has been filed pursuant to this section.

(4) The Hearing Clerk shall not accept for filing any CBI pleading or document which does not comply with the requirements of paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section.

(5) All claims of CBI, and all information entitled to treatment as CBI, shall be governed by the provisions of 40 CFR part 2, subpart B, for CERCLA, as well as any other EPA regulatory provisions affecting the confidentiality of the information.

(a) Computation. In computing any period of time described or allowed in this part, except as otherwise provided, the day of the event from which the designated period begins to run shall not be included. Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal legal holidays shall be included. When a stated time expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal legal holiday, the stated time period shall be extended to include the next business day.

(b) Extension of time. The Presiding Officer, or Review Officer as appropriate, may grant an extension of time for the filing of any pleading, document or motion upon timely motion of a party to the proceeding, for good cause shown, and after consideration of prejudice to other parties, or upon his own motion. Such a motion by a party may only be made after notice to all other parties, unless the movant can show good cause why serving notice is impracticable. The motion shall be filed in advance of the date on which the pleading, document or motion is due to be filed, unless the failure of a party to make timely motion for extension of time was the result of excusable neglect.

(c) Service by mail. Service of the Request for a Hearing is complete when the return receipt is signed by the Review Officer. Service of all other pleadings and documents is complete upon mailing. Where a pleading or document is served by mail, 5 days shall be added to the time allowed by this part for the filing of a responsive pleading or document.

At no time after the Request for a Hearing is referred to the Presiding Officer shall the Presiding Officer discuss ex parte the merits of the proceeding with any interested person outside the Agency, with any Agency staff member who performed a prosecutorial or investigative function in such proceeding or a factually related proceeding, or with any representative of such person. Any ex parte memorandum or other communication addressed to the Presiding Officer during the pendency of the proceeding and relating to the merits thereof, by or on behalf of any party, shall be regarded as an argument made in the proceeding and shall be served upon all other parties. Any other party shall be given the opportunity to reply to such memorandum or communication.

(a) Inspection of Documents. Subject to the provisions of law restricting public disclosure of confidential information, any person may, during Agency business hours, inspect and copy any document filed in any proceeding. Such documents shall be made available by the Claims Official, Review Officer, or Hearing Clerk, as appropriate.

(b) Costs. The cost of duplicating documents filed in any proceeding shall be borne by the person seeking copies of such documents. The Agency may waive this cost in appropriate cases.