Branch v. Western Petroleum: Utah adopts principles of strict liability and nuisance per se for the pollution of ground water

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Energy Law Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:6699776

Ford, II, H J

The Utah Supreme Court held in Branch v. Western Petroleum, Inc. that the oil company was strictly liable for contamination an adjoining land owner's culinary well water, and found the company liable for compensatory damages. The water contaminating was caused by the percolation of toxic chemicals into the ground water from a pond used for waste water from the oil wells. The author discusses the various theories used to determine liability for polluting ground water, examines the Utah Supreme Court's analysis and application of those theories in the case, and evaluates the propriety of damages awarded. 77 references.

• OSTI ID: 6699776
• Journal Information: J. Energy Law Policy; (United States), Vol. 5:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GROUND WATER
WATER POLLUTION
UTAH
LIABILITIES
VICTIMS COMPENSATION
LAWSUITS
LEGAL ASPECTS
FEDERAL REGION VIII
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
USA
WATER
020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects
294002 - Energy Planning & Policy- Petroleum
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety
520600 - Environment
Aquatic- Regulations - (-1989)