Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Authority v. United States Army Corps of Engineers et al
Filing
530
MEMORANDUM AND OPINION AND ORDER: Granting Defendant-Intervenor Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Board of Authoritys Motion to Dismiss 451 ; Dismissing with prejudice Count IV of Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Authoritys Fourth Amended Complaint 419 a s applied to the Diversion Authority; Granting in part and denying in part Defendant U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Motion to Dismiss 445 ; Granting Plaintiff JPAs Motion for a Preliminary Injunction 412 and Plaintiff-Intervenor Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Motion for a Preliminary Injunction 425 . The Clerk shall enter judgment on this motion; Denying Plaintiff JPAs Motion for Sanctions 505 . (Written Opinion). Signed by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim on 09/07/2017. (JMK)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA
Civil No. 13-2262 (JRT/LIB)
RICHLAND/WILKIN JOINT POWERS
AUTHORITY,
Plaintiff,
and
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES
Intervenor-Plaintiff,
MEMORANDUM OPINION
AND ORDER
v.
UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF
ENGINEERS, ROBERT SPEER,
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE
ARMY FOR CIVIL WORKS, and COL.
SAM CALKINS,
Defendants,
and
FARGO-MOORHEAD FLOOD
DIVERSION BOARD OF AUTHORITY
and CITY OF OXBOW,
Intervenor-Defendants.
Gerald W. Von Korff and Anna K.B. Finstrom, RINKE NOONAN, P.O.
Box 1497, Saint Cloud, MN 56302, for plaintiff.
Colin Patrick O’Donovan and Max H. Kieley, Assistant Attorneys General,
MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE, 445 Minnesota
Street, Suite 900, Saint Paul, MN 55101, for intervenor-plaintiff.
Devon Lehman McCune, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE, 999 18th Street, South Terrace, Suite 370, Denver, CO 80202,
for defendants.
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Robert E. Cattanach, Michael R. Drysdale, and Theresa M. Bevilacqua,
DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP, 50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1500,
Minneapolis, MN 55402, for the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Board
of Authority.
For as long as people have lived and worked in the Red River Valley that borders
the States of North Dakota and Minnesota, the Red River of the North (“Red River”) has
caused significant flooding problems for local communities. The parties to this case and
the Court all recognize the need for permanent flood protection for the individuals
residing in the Red River Valley, especially the growing Fargo-Moorhead community. In
addition to the serious flood-related issues, this case presents difficult and complex
questions regarding a state’s ability to regulate border projects on major waterways when
non-Federal actors undertake significant portions of a federally-approved project.
Here, Plaintiff Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Authority (“JPA”) and IntervenorPlaintiff Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (the “DNR”) allege that Defendant
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”) 1 and Defendant-Intervenor Fargo-Moorhead
Flood Diversion Board of Authority (the “Diversion Authority”) violated state and
federal laws by signing a project partnership agreement and beginning construction on a
permanent flood protection project without the Diversion Authority obtaining requisite
permits from the State of Minnesota. The DNR and JPA seek a preliminary injunction to
1
The Court refers to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Robert Speer, Assistant
Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Colonel Sam Calkins collectively as “the Corps”
unless indicated otherwise.
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prevent the Corps and the Diversion Authority from continuing construction until the
Diversion Authority obtains the allegedly requisite permits.
In response, both the Corps and the Diversion Authority argue that a preliminary
injunction is inappropriate. The Corps and the Diversion Authority further move to
dismiss certain claims under Rules 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure. After the hearing on these motions, JPA filed a motion for sanctions under
Rule 37(c)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, seeking postponement of the
Court’s ruling on the pending motions until the record is fully supplemented and
supplemental briefing is completed.
The Court will grant the Diversion Authority’s limited motion to dismiss, grant in
part and deny in part the Corps’ motion to dismiss, grant the DNR’s and JPA’s motions
for a preliminary injunction, and deny JPA’s sanctions motion.
BACKGROUND
I.
THE PARTIES
JPA is a joint authority created by Richland County, North Dakota, and Wilkin
County, Minnesota, pursuant to statutes in each state allowing their respective
government units to jointly and cooperatively exercise power with other government
units, even those in other states. (Pl. Fourth Am. Compl. (“JPA Compl.”) ¶¶ 2-5,
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April 3, 2017, Docket No. 419); 2 see also Minn. Stat. § 471.59 (“Joint Exercise
Powers”); N.D. Cent. Code § 54-40.3 (“Joint Powers Agreements”).
Richland and
Wilkin Counties formed JPA to protect their citizens and their citizens’ property from
flooding. (JPA Compl. ¶ 2.)
The DNR is a statutory agency of the State of Minnesota responsible for
administering and enforcing Minnesota statutes and rules related to the state’s natural
resources, including its navigable waters. (Compl. by the Minn. DNR (“DNR Compl.”)
¶ 6, Mar. 24, 2017, Docket No. 411.)
The Corps is a federal agency involved in the development of the permanent flood
protection project at issue in this case. (Id. ¶ 8; JPA Compl. ¶ 8.) Robert Speer, Assistant
Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Colonel Sam Calkins are employees of the
Corps. (DNR Compl. ¶¶ 9-11; JPA Compl. ¶¶ 7, 9-10.)
The Diversion Authority is also a joint authority formed pursuant to Minnesota’s
and North Dakota’s joint powers statutes. (DNR Compl. ¶ 12; JPA Compl. ¶ 11.) The
Diversion Authority was formed by the following government units: the City of Fargo,
North Dakota; Cass County, North Dakota; Cass County Joint Water Resources District,
2
JPA originally filed the Fourth Amended Complaint on March 24, 2017. (Pl.’s Fourth
Am. Compl., Mar. 24, 2017, Docket No. 410.) The Corps and the Diversion Authority moved to
dismiss the Fourth Amended Complaint filed on March 24, 2017. (See Federal Defs.’ Mem. in
Supp. of Mot. to Dismiss at 1, May 23, 2017, Docket No. 447 (referencing “ECF No. 410”);
Diversion Authority’s Mem. in Supp. of Mots. to Dismiss at 2, May 23, 2017, Docket No. 453
(referencing “ECF #410”).) But on April 3, 2017, JPA filed a “CORRECTED CAPTION
ONLY” version of the Fourth Amended Complaint. (See JPA Compl.) The Court will construe
all of the JPA-related motions as properly referring to the Fourth Amended Complaint with
corrected caption filed on April 3, 2017.
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North Dakota; the City of Moorhead, Minnesota; Clay County, Minnesota; and the
Buffalo-Red River Watershed District, Minnesota. Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Auth.
v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs (Dist. Court Order II), 176 F. Supp. 3d 839, 842 (D. Minn.
2016). The Corps designated the Diversion Authority as the non-Federal sponsor of the
permanent flood protection project at issue in this case, meaning the Diversion Authority
is the local entity tasked with developing and managing the project. Id.
II.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
The Red River originates at the confluence of two tributaries, demarking the
Minnesota-North Dakota border. Id. The broader, flat valley of the Red River was
formed over thousands of years as the lakebed of Glacial Lake Agassiz which receded
slowly as the ice melted to the north. Through this flat valley, the Red River flows
northward, eventually emptying into Lake Winnipeg in Canada. Id. For as long as
humans have lived along the Red River, the river has flooded. Id. In 2008, the Corps,
along with the cities of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, began a
feasibility study to examine “alternatives . . . to reduce flood risk in the entire FargoMoorhead Metropolitan area.” Id. After a major flood in 2009, the project gained
momentum and eventually the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Project (the “Project”) was
developed. Id.; (DNR Compl. ¶ 57).
As required by federal law, the Corps conducted an environmental review of the
Project. (DNR Compl. ¶ 71.) In May 2010, the Corps published a Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (“EIS”). Dist. Court Order II, 176 F. Supp. 3d at 843-44. The Draft
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EIS discussed how the Corps had studied the benefits and costs of several potential
options for flood control in the area. Id. In a later Supplemental Draft EIS, the Corps
continued to refine its plans, and to publish and describe the varying drawbacks and
advantages of specific plans. Id. at 844. During this process, the DNR submitted
multiple comment letters to the Corps regarding its concerns with the Project. (DNR
Compl. ¶ 72.) The Corps acknowledged the DNR’s concerns during the process and
“ensured the DNR that the Project required compliance with obligations imposed by
Minnesota’s statutes and regulations.” (Id. ¶ 73.)
In July 2011 the Corps issued its Final Feasibility Report and Environmental
Impact Statement (“FFREIS”) regarding the Project. (Id. ¶¶ 19, 71.) In section 3.14.4 for
the FFREIS, the Corps acknowledged that
[a]s part of implementing this project, the non-federal sponsors [were]
required to obtain a [DNR] protected waters permit . . . . In order to obtain
the necessary permits from the State of Minnesota, the non-federal sponsors
[were required to] complete the scoping and review process required by the
Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. . . . The construction contractors
[were] responsible for acquiring all local licenses/permits required to
comply with state and municipal laws, codes and regulations.
(DNR Compl. ¶ 74; accord JPA Compl. ¶ 34; Notice of Submission of Exs., Ex. F at 109,
Feb. 12, 2015, Docket No. 162.)
The Corps ultimately selected the “locally preferred plan” (“LPP”) as its proposed
action. Dist. Court Order II, 176 F. Supp. 3d at 844. In December 2011, the Corps
issued its Chief’s Report recommending the Project to Congress. (DNR Compl. ¶ 75;
JPA Compl. ¶ 35; Notice of Submission of Exs., Ex. I (“Chief’s Report”).) The Chief’s
Report endorsed the FFREIS and noted in several locations that the Project would
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comply with “Federal and State laws and regulations.” (DNR Compl. ¶ 75; JPA Compl.
¶ 35 n.2; Chief’s Report at 4, 6-7.)
The Assistant Secretary of the Army signed a Record of Decision (“ROD”) and
forwarded the Corps’ relevant reports and studies to Congress in April 2012. Dist. Court
Order II, 176 F. Supp. 3d at 844. In 2014 Congress passed and the President signed the
Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (“WRRDA-2014”), authorizing
the Project. Id. at 845 (citing Pub. L. No. 113-121, § 7002(2)(4), 128 Stat. 1193 (2014)).
In February 2016 the Diversion Authority submitted its application for a Dam
Safety and Public Waters Work Permit (“Permit”) to the DNR. (DNR Compl. ¶ 82.) In
July 2016 the Corps and the Diversion Authority signed a project partnership agreement
(“PPA”), “which set forth the rights and obligations of the Corps and the Diversion
Authority pertaining to Project construction and operation.” (Id. ¶¶ 26, 91; JPA Compl.
¶ 46; Decl. of Michael Drysdale in Supp. of Mot. for Summ. J., Ex. G (“PPA”), Dec. 1,
2016, Docket No. 354.)
The PPA divided construction responsibilities into two
categories – “Federal Work” and “Non-Federal Work” – and primarily limited the “NonFederal Work” to construction occurring on the North Dakota side of the Red River.
(DNR Compl. ¶ 93; PPA at 2.) The Corps took responsibility for most of the work to
occur in Minnesota, excluding certain “flood risk reduction projects undertaken in the FM Metro Area.” (DNR Compl. ¶ 93.) The PPA further provided that the Diversion
Authority “will operate, maintain, repair, rehabilitate, and replace the Project” after the
parties complete construction. (Id. ¶ 94; PPA at 7.) At the time the Corps and the
Diversion Authority signed the PPA, both the DNR Commissioner and Minnesota’s
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Governor expressed concerns that the PPA was premature in light of the Diversion
Authority’s outstanding Permit application. (DNR Compl. ¶¶ 89, 92.)
The DNR denied the Permit in October 2016 finding the Project did “not
adequately protect the public, health, safety and welfare of [Minnesota’s] citizens, [did]
not represent the minimal impact solution, and [was] neither reasonable nor practical.”
(Id. ¶ 83-84 & Ex. 1 (“DNR Permit Denial”) ¶¶ 123-137, 198; see also JPA Compl. ¶ 48.)
The DNR further found the Project non-compliant with environmental requirements,
floodplain requirements, and local and other land resources management plans. (DNR
Compl. ¶¶ 85-87; DNR Permit Denial ¶¶ 138-97.) The Diversion Authority requested a
contested case hearing regarding the Permit denial. (DNR Compl. ¶ 88.)
In spite of the Permit denial, the Corps and the Diversion Authority publicly
“announced their intent to move forward with Project construction.” (Id. ¶¶ 96-97; JPA
Compl. ¶ 49.)
The DNR responded to this announcement by sending a letter
“unequivocally” stating “that Minnesota permits are needed in order for either the Corps
or the Diversion Authority to construct this project lawfully.” (DNR Compl. ¶ 99 & Ex.
2 at 1.) Both the DNR and JPA allege the Corps and the Diversion Authority have begun
construction on the project without the required Permit. (Id. ¶ 100; JPA Compl. ¶ 50.)
III.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
JPA filed its initial complaint on August 19, 2013, naming only the Corps and
certain individuals employed by the Corps as defendants. (Compl., Aug. 19, 2013,
Docket No. 1.) At first, JPA alleged that in developing and choosing the LPP, the Corp
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violated Minnesota law, Executive Order 11988 (“E.O. 11988”), and the National
Environmental Protection Act (“NEPA”). (First Am. Compl. ¶¶ 62-100, Oct. 22, 2013,
Docket No. 14.) In November 2013 the Court granted the Diversion Authority leave to
intervene. Then in May 2014 JPA amended its complaint, naming both the Corps and the
Diversion Authority as defendants and limiting their allegations to violations of NEPA.
(Second Am. Compl. 1 & ¶¶ 62-91, May 2, 2014, Docket No. 47.)
After certain proceedings occurred in North Dakota state court regarding the OHB
Ring Levee, 3 JPA filed a Third-Amended Complaint against the Corps and the Diversion
Authority alleging five counts, including violation of:
NEPA (Counts I and II),
Minnesota Environmental Rights Act (“MERA”) (Count III), the Minnesota
Environmental Policy Act (“MEPA”) (Count IV), and state and local permitting laws
(Count V). (Third Am. Compl. ¶¶ 88-139, Nov. 4, 2014, Docket No. 112.) Then JPA
filed a motion for a preliminary injunction regarding the OHB Ring Levee. (Pl.’s Mot.
for Prelim. Inj., Feb. 11, 2015, Docket No. 122.) In turn, the Corps and the Diversion
Authority filed motions to dismiss the state and local claims in Counts III, IV, and V.
(Corps’ Partial Mot. to Dismiss Third Am. Compl., Feb. 11, 2015, Docket No. 141;
Diversion Auth.’s Mot. to Dismiss, Feb. 11, 2015, Docket No. 145.)
3
The OHB Ring Levee is part of the Project that involves a ring levee around three North
Dakota communities: Oxbow, Hickson, and Bakke. Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Auth. v. U.S.
Army Corps of Eng’rs (Dist. Court Order I), No. 13-2262, 2015 WL 2251481, at *1 (D. Minn.
May 13, 2015).
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The Court ruled on the motions together. The Court dismissed Counts III, IV, and
V against the Corps because the Corps is not bound by the relevant state laws.
Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Auth. v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs (Dist. Court Order I),
No. 13-2262, 2015 WL 2251481, at *7-8 (D. Minn. May 13, 2015). The Court also
dismissed Count V against the Diversion Authority because JPA had not shown that the
relevant state and local permitting laws were broad enough to support the requested
relief. Id. at *13 n.7. But the Court declined to dismiss Counts III and IV – the MERA
and MEPA claims – against the Diversion Authority. The Diversion Authority argued
that those claims must be dismissed because any injunction based on Minnesota law
prohibiting construction activities inside the borders of North Dakota would
impermissibly extend the reach of Minnesota’s law outside the state’s borders. The Court
disagreed, however, and found that such an injunction would not impinge on
extraterritoriality or Dormant Commerce Clause principles because of the cross-border
nature of the Project, as well as the fact that JPA and the Diversion Authority are partially
composed of Minnesota governmental units subject to Minnesota law. Id. at *10-15.
Finally, the Court granted JPA’s request for a preliminary injunction with respect to
Counts III and IV against the Diversion Authority, ordering that all construction on the
OHB Ring Levee cease. Id. at *24-25. The Eighth Circuit affirmed the Court’s order on
June 20, 2016.
Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Auth. v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs
(Appellate Court Order), 826 F.3d 1030, 1033-34 (8th Cir. 2016).
The parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment regarding the Third
Amended Complaint.
The Court granted the Corps’ and the Diversion Authority’s
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motions for summary judgment on Counts I and II (NEPA) with prejudice. Dist. Court
Order II, 176 F. Supp. 3d at 852-53. The Court found the Corps had complied with
NEPA and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in considering the environmental
impacts of the Project. Id. at 847-852. The Court further found the NEPA claims against
the Diversion Authority failed because the Diversion Authority “is not a federal entity,
even if it is the sponsoring entity for the purposes of the diversion project.” Id. at 852.
The Court dismissed the Corps from the case; leaving only state-law claims against the
Diversion Authority. Id. at 841, 852-53.
Following the DNR Permit Denial in October 2016, the DNR moved to intervene
and the Court granted the motion. (Mem. Op. & Order at 6, Jan. 13, 2017, Docket No.
398.) JPA also moved to reinstate the Corps as an active defendant and to supplement
the pleadings. Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Auth. v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs (Dist.
Court Order III), No. 13-2262, 2017 WL 740994, at *1 (D. Minn. Feb. 24, 2017). The
Court granted JPA’s motion and directed both the DNR and JPA to file supplemental
pleadings. Id. at *2-3. The DNR filed its Complaint and JPA filed its Fourth Amended
Complaint on March 24, 2017. The DNR alleges four counts: pursuant to the APA,
violation of 33 U.S.C. § 2232 against the Corps (Count I); pursuant to the APA, violation
of WRRDA-2014 § 7002 against the Corps (Count II); violation of MERA against the
Diversion Authority (Count III); and violation of Minn. Stat. chs. 103G and 103F against
the Diversion Authority (Count IV). JPA also alleges four counts: violation of NEPA
against the Corps (Count I); violation of MERA against the Diversion Authority (Count
II); violation of Minnesota permitting requirements against the Diversion Authority
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(Count III); and violation of section 2232 and section 7002 against the Corps and the
Diversion Authority (Count IV).
Both the DNR and JPA then filed motions for preliminary injunctions, seeking to
enjoin the Corps, the Diversion Authority, or anyone in active concert with either party
from continuing construction on the Project until the DNR issues a Permit. The Corps
and the Diversion Authority, in turn, filed motions to dismiss the DNR Complaint and
Fourth Amended Complaint. The Corps moves to dismiss all claims against it and the
Diversion Authority moves to dismiss Count IV in JPA’s Fourth Amended Complaint. 4
The Court held a hearing regarding the four motions on July 18, 2017. (Min.
Entry, July 18, 2017, Docket No. 497.) Two days after oral argument, the Corps and the
Diversion Authority allegedly disclosed certain documents relevant to the pending
motions. (Mot. for Rule 37(c)(1) Sanctions & for Order Granting Leave to Suppl. Prelim.
Inj. & Dispositive Mot. R. at 2, Aug. 4, 2017, Docket No. 505.) JPA filed a motion for
sanctions under Rule 37(c)(1), requesting that the Court postpone decision on the pending
motions, allow supplementation of the record, and order supplemental briefing on the
new information.
4
The Diversion Authority did not move to dismiss Counts III and IV of the DNR’s
Complaint or Counts II and III of JPA’s Complaint.
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DISCUSSION
I.
MOTIONS TO DISMISS
A.
Standard of Review
The Corps and the Diversion Authority move to dismiss under Rules 12(b)(1) and
12(b)(6). “A motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(1) challenges the Court’s subject
matter jurisdiction and requires the Court to examine whether it has authority to decide
the claims.” Damon v. Groteboer, 937 F. Supp. 2d 1048, 1063 (D. Minn. 2013). In
deciding a motion under Rule 12(b)(1), the Court must first “distinguish between a ‘facial
attack’ and a ‘factual attack.’” Osborn v. United States, 918 F.2d 724, 729 n.6 (8th
Cir.1990) (quoting Menchaca v. Chrysler Credit Corp., 613 F.2d 507, 511 (5th Cir.
1980)). “In a facial challenge to jurisdiction, all of the factual allegations concerning
jurisdiction are presumed to be true and the motion is successful if the plaintiff fails to
allege an element necessary for subject matter jurisdiction.” Titus v. Sullivan, 4 F.3d 590,
593 (8th Cir. 1993). In other words, in a facial challenge, the Court “determine[s]
whether the asserted jurisdictional basis is patently meritless by looking to the face of the
complaint[] and drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of the plaintiff.” Biscanin v.
Merrill Lynch & Co., 407 F.3d 905, 907 (8th Cir. 2005) (citations omitted). In a factual
attack, the court “inquires into and resolves factual disputes,” Faibisch v. Univ. of Minn.,
304 F.3d 797, 801 (8th Cir. 2002), and is free to “consider[] matters outside the
pleadings,” Osborn, 918 F.2d at 729 n.6. The nonmoving party in a factual challenge
“does not have the benefit of 12(b)(6) safeguards.” Id.
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The Court construes the jurisdictional arguments to present a facial challenge.
The Court finds no need to resolve any factual disputes to decide the jurisdictional
questions and relies only on facts that are not in dispute and that are appropriate for
consideration under a Rule 12(b)(6) motion. Degnan v. Sebelius, 959 F. Supp. 2d 1190,
1193 (D. Minn. 2013) (limiting its analysis of a facial jurisdictional challenge to “the
pleadings, matters of public record and materials necessarily embraced by the
pleadings”), aff’d sub nom. Degnan v. Burwell, 765 F.3d 805 (8th Cir. 2014).
In reviewing a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, the Court considers all facts
alleged in the complaint as true to determine if the complaint states a “claim to relief that
is plausible on its face.” Braden v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 588 F.3d 585, 594 (8th Cir.
2009) (quoting Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009)). To survive a motion to
dismiss, a complaint must provide more than “‘labels and conclusions’ or ‘a formulaic
recitation of the elements of a cause of action.’” Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678 (quoting Bell Atl.
Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 555 (2007)). Although the Court accepts the
complaint’s factual allegations as true, it is “not bound to accept as true a legal
conclusion couched as a factual allegation.” Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555 (quoting Papasan
v. Allain, 478 U.S. 265, 286 (1986)). “A claim has facial plausibility when the plaintiff
pleads factual content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the
defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged.”
Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678. “Where a
complaint pleads facts that are ‘merely consistent with’ a defendant’s liability, it ‘stops
short of the line between possibility and plausibility,’” and therefore must be dismissed.
Id. (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 557)).
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B.
The Corps’ Motion to Dismiss – Sovereign Immunity
The Corps first challenges all claims filed against the Corps on the grounds of
sovereign immunity. A district court lacks jurisdiction to hear a case against the United
States or its agents unless sovereign immunity has been expressly waived. FDIC v.
Meyer, 510 U.S. 471, 475 (1994) (“Absent a waiver, sovereign immunity shields the
Federal Government and its agencies from suit.”); United States v. Kearns, 177 F.3d 706,
709 (8th Cir. 1999) (“The United States is immune from suit except where Congress has
waived that immunity.”).
The Corps argues the Court lacks jurisdiction because both the DNR and JPA
failed to identify a final agency action subject to review under the APA. The APA
provides for judicial review of a “final agency action for which there is no other adequate
remedy in a court.”
5 U.S.C. § 704.
The APA “evinces Congress’ intention and
understanding that judicial review should be widely available to challenge the actions of
federal administrative officials.” Califano v. Sanders, 430 U.S. 99, 104 (1977). “When
an agency action is final and, if final, appropriate for judicial review[,] are issues that
have arisen in a variety of federal agency contexts in the past one hundred years.”
Hawkes Co. v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 782 F.3d 994, 999 (8th Cir. 2015), aff’d, 136
S. Ct. 1807 (2016). In Bennett v. Spear, the Supreme Court set forth a two-part test for
determining whether an agency action is “final”:
(1) “the action must mark the
‘consummation’ of the agency’s decisionmaking process – it must not be of a merely
tentative or interlocutory nature”; and (2) “the action must be one by which ‘rights or
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obligations have been determined,’ or from which ‘legal consequences will flow.’” 520
U.S. 154, 177-78 (1997) (citations omitted).
The DNR and JPA both argue the PPA is a final agency action subject to review
under the APA. They argue the PPA satisfies the Bennett test because the PPA is a
binding agreement that determines the rights and obligations of the Corps and the
Diversion Authority for completion of the Project. In response, the Corps argues the PPA
is not a final agency action because it does not mark the consummation of the agency’s
decision-making process. Instead, says the Corps, the PPA is a step in the process of
implementing final agency actions already taken – the ROD and the Chief’s Report.
It is certainly true that the performance and/or implementation of a project is
generally not considered “an agency rule, order, license, sanction, relief, or the equivalent
or denial thereof, or failure to act” as required by the APA. See, e.g., Vill. of Bald Head
Island v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 714 F.3d 186, 193 (4th Cir. 2013) (quoting APA, 5
U.S.C. § 551(13)); Wild Fish Conservancy v. Jewell, 730 F.3d 791, 800 (9th Cir. 2013).
But entering into the PPA is not necessarily implementation.
In Louisiana State v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 5 the Fifth Circuit addressed
the issue of whether a Deauthorization Report sent to Congress or an agreement later
5
Citing general contract law principles, the Corps argues the DNR and JPA lack standing
to challenge the PPA because they are not parties to the agreement or third party beneficiaries.
The Corps uses this argument as a way to distinguish Louisiana State. But numerous courts have
allowed a non-party to challenge a government contract on the basis that the contract is a final
agency action that violated federal law. E.g., Students v. U.S. Dep’t of Educ., No. 16-4945, 2016
WL 6134121, at *4 (N.D. Ill. Oct. 18, 2016) (finding a final agency action reviewable by the
(Footnote continued on next page.)
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signed by Louisiana and the Corps were final agency actions. 834 F.3d 574, 581-85 (5th
Cir. 2016). The Fifth Circuit held that the Deauthorization Report was not a final agency
action, in part because the recommendation to Congress noted that it was “subject to the
non-Federal sponsor executing an agreement with the Department of the Army prior to
the Federal Government initiating construction of the closure structure.” Id. at 582.
Thus, said the Fifth Circuit, the Deauthorization Report “anticipate[d] the necessity of
further agency action before the . . . project [could] be implemented.” Id. In contrast, the
Fifth Circuit found an agreement entered between Louisiana and the Corps was the “final
agency action” because it was a “binding agreement . . . that clearly set[] out the cost
allocation for the . . . project.” Id. at 583. And, as a binding agreement with legal
consequences, the agreement “consummat[ed] the agency’s decision-making process.”
Id.
Here, while complaining about actions after Minnesota denied the Permit, both the
DNR and JPA set forth allegations that the PPA is a final agency action and that the
Corps acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it entered into the PPA prior to the
Diversion Authority securing the Permit. (See DNR Compl. ¶ 26 (“Federal funding . . .
_______________________________
(Footnote continued.)
court where students and parents challenged a contract entered between the U.S. Department of
Education and a school district); Valentini v. Shinseki, 860 F. Supp. 2d 1079, 1097-98 (C.D. Cal.
2012) (denying motion to dismiss an APA claim brought by disabled veterans challenging landuse agreements signed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and private and commercial
entities); Alabama v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 382 F. Supp. 2d 1301, 1324 (N.D. Ala. 2005)
(finding a final agency action reviewable by the court where the State of Alabama sued the Corps
for contracts it entered for water-supply storage with third parties).
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was contingent on the execution of a [PPA] and a finding by the Corps that all
outstanding regulatory issues facing the project would likely be resolved . . . .”); id. ¶ 92
(“[S]igning the PPA was premature and inconsistent with the guidance from the OMB
when allocating Project funding.”); id. ¶¶ 107, 118 (signing the PPA “constitute[d] final
agency action”); id. ¶¶ 109, 120 (signing the PPA “[was] arbitrary and capricious, an
abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law”); JPA Compl. ¶ 46 (“The
[Corps’] actions [signing the PPA] represent[] the consummation of the agency’s
decision-making process and it constitutes an action from which rights or obligations
have been determined, or from which legal consequences will flow. These actions were
outside the scope of the authority granted by [WRRDA-2014] and were arbitrary and
capricious”).)
Like in Louisiana, the ROD and Chief’s Report are not the final agency action for
the DNR’s and JPA’s claims because the ROD and Chief’s Report specifically informed
Congress that in order to implement the Project “the non-Federal sponsors [had to] agree”
to certain requirements “prior to project implementation,” including compliance “with all
applicable Federal and State laws and regulations.” (Chief’s Report at 4, 7 (emphasis
added).)
Thus, the ROD and Chief’s Report “anticipate[d] the necessity of further
agency action before” the Project could be implemented. Louisiana, 834 F.3d at 582.
Instead, applying Bennett, the PPA is the final agency action. First, the PPA
consummates the Corps’ decision-making process in that “it is a binding agreement
between the Corps and [the Diversion Authority] that clearly sets out” the rights and
responsibilities for both the Corps and the Diversion Authority pertaining to Project
- 18 -
construction and operation. Id. at 853; (see also DNR Compl. ¶ 91; JPA Compl. ¶ 46;
PPA at 3-15). Further, entering into the PPA “was an act that, by its very nature,
determined rights and obligations and had legal consequences, which is precisely what
contracts do.” Alabama v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 382 F. Supp. 2d 1301, 1324 (N.D.
Ala. 2005).
For these reasons, under the APA, the Court has jurisdiction to hear the DNR’s
and JPA’s claims against the Corps and the Court will deny the Corps’ Motion to Dismiss
Counts I and II in the DNR’s Complaint and Count IV in JPA’s Complaint. 6
6
JPA also argues a report issued by the Corps regarding compliance with all regulatory
requirements was a final agency action. This report was issued prior to the PPA and did not
directly determine any “rights or obligations” from which “legal consequences . . . flow[ed].”
Bennett, 520 U.S. at 178 (quoting Port of Bos. Marine Terminal Ass’n v. Rederiaktiebolaget
Transatlantic, 400 U.S. 62, 71 (1970)). Thus, the report was not a final agency action under the
APA.
The Corps also claims the DNR’s and JPA’s claims are barred by sovereign immunity on
the grounds that the claims improperly subject the Corps to state permitting requirements. But
neither the DNR nor JPA allege that the Corps is subject to Minnesota’s permitting requirements.
(See, e.g., DNR Compl. ¶ 111 (seeking to enjoin “construction of the project by the Corps until
such time as the Diversion Authority has obtained dam safety and public waters work
permits from the DNR as required by WRRDA 2014” (emphasis added)); id. ¶ 122 (same);
JPA Compl. ¶ 32 (alleging that “the local sponsor” is required “to comply with state law
concerning authorizations and permits” (emphasis added)); id. ¶ 35 (same).) Instead, both allege
the Project should not be constructed until the Diversion Authority obtains the Permit.
Finally, the parties debate whether WRRDA-2014 contains an express waiver of
sovereign immunity requiring federal compliance with state law. The Supreme Court has firmly
held that general statements about federal compliance with state law are not sufficient to waive
sovereign immunity. See Envtl. Prot. Agency v. California (EPA), 426 U.S. 200, 212, 227-28
(1976); Hancock v. Train, 426 U.S. 167, 178-81 (1976). Here, like in EPA and Hancock,
WRRDA-2014 uses general language about the Corps’ compliance with state law. Thus, the
Court finds WRRDA-2014 does not contain an express waiver of sovereign immunity. While
this may have implications with regard to the DNR’s and JPA’s claims going forward, for the
purpose of the motions to dismiss, both the DNR and JPA couched their WRRDA-2014 claims
(Footnote continued on next page.)
- 19 -
C.
The Corps’ Motion to Dismiss – Prudential Standing
The Corps also argues all of the WRRDA-2014 claims fail because the DNR and
JPA lack prudential standing.
“The Supreme Court has recognized prudential
requirements for standing, including ‘that a plaintiff’s grievance must arguably fall within
the zone of interests protected or regulated by the statutory provision . . . invoked in the
suit.” Nat’l Wildlife Fed’n v. Westphal, 116 F. Supp. 2d 49, 53 (D.D.C. 2000) (quoting
Bennett, 520 U.S. at 162) (interpreting a previous version of WRRDA).
Generally, the zone of interests test is “generous and relatively undemanding.” Id.
“[T]here need be no indication of congressional purpose to benefit the would-be
plaintiff.” Nat’l Credit Union Admin. v. First Nat’l Bank & Tr. Co., 522 U.S. 479, 491
(1998) (quoting Clarke v. Sec. Indus. Ass’n, 479 U.S. 388, 399-400 (1987)). Instead, the
test only requires that “the interest sought to be protected by the complainant is arguably
within the zone of interests to be protected by the statute.” Id. at 492 (quoting Ass’n of
Data Processing Serv. Orgs., 397 U.S. 150, 153 (1970)). But where a plaintiff “is not
itself the subject of the contested regulatory action, the test denies a right of review if the
plaintiff’s interests are so marginally related to or inconsistent with the purposes implicit
in the statute that it cannot reasonably be assumed that Congress intended to permit the
_______________________________
(Footnote continued.)
in the APA and the Court, therefore, finds a waiver of sovereign immunity for claims arising
under the final agency action – the PPA. APA, 5 U.S.C. § 704 (waiving sovereign immunity
where there is a “final agency action for which there is no other adequate remedy in a court.”).
- 20 -
suit.” Clarke, 479 U.S. at 399; see also Rosebud Sioux Tribe v. McDivitt, 286 F.3d 1031,
1036 (8th Cir. 2002). “Whether a plaintiff’s interest is ‘arguably . . . protected . . . by the
statute’ within the meaning of the zone-of-interests test is to be determined not by
reference to the overall purpose of the Act in question . . . but by reference to the
particular provision of law upon which the plaintiff relies.” Bennett, 520 U.S. at 175-76.
Here, the DNR and JPA are within the zone of interests that WRRDA-2014
protects. Numerous provisions of WRRDA-2014 require compliance with state law. See
WRRDA-2014 § 7002 (authorizing the Project to be carried out “subject to the
conditions[] described in the respective reports”); Chief’s Report at 7 (requiring
compliance “with all applicable . . . State laws and regulations”); 33 U.S.C. § 2232(b)(2)
(“Before carrying out a water resources development project, or separable element
thereof, under this section, a non-Federal interest shall . . . obtain any permit or approval
required in connection with the project or separable element under Federal or State
law . . . .”).
Requiring state permits is evidence that when enacting WRRDA-2014,
Congress had more in mind that just making project funding easier for non-Federal
entities. In fact, by requiring state permits, Congress reiterated its consistent view that
flood control projects relating to navigable waters must be completed in “cooperation
with States, their political subdivisions, and localities thereof.” See 33 U.S.C. § 701a
(emphasis added). Thus, the Court finds the DNR and JPA are within the zone of
interests meant to be protected by provisions of WRRDA-2014 requiring compliance
with state law, and the Court will deny the Corps’ motion to dismiss for lack of
prudential standing.
- 21 -
D. The Corps’ Motion to Dismiss – 33 U.S.C. § 2232
The Corps next argues the Court should dismiss Count I in the DNR’s Complaint
and part of Count IV in JPA’s Complaint for failing to state a claim upon which relief
may be granted. The Corps asserts that section 2232 does not apply to the Project.
To address the Corps’ argument, the Court must interpret the statute. The Court
begins with the statute’s plain language. Leocal v. Ashcroft, 543 U.S. 1, 8 (2004).
“Courts resort to legislative history and other sources to guide their interpretation only if
the meaning of the statute is ambiguous.” United States v. Plummer Excavating, Inc., 65
F. Supp. 2d 1013, 1015 (D. Minn. 1999).
The Corps argues section 2232 does not apply because the section only applies
when non-Federal sponsors carry out a “water resource development project”
independently. But nowhere in the language of the statute did Congress express this
limitation. Congress entitled section 2232 “Construction of water resources development
projects by non-Federal interests” and defined “water resources development project”
broadly, to include “a project recommendation that results from . . . a final feasibility
study for water resources development and conservation and other purposes that is
specifically authorized by Congress to be carried out by the Secretary.” The parties do
not dispute that this definition describes the Project.
Congress then expressly laid out the authority for a non-Federal interest to “carry
out a water resources development project, or a separable element thereof” on the
condition that “[b]efore carrying out” a project the non-Federal interest “obtain any
- 22 -
permit or approval required in connection with the project or separable element under
Federal or State law.” 33 U.S.C. § 2232(b) (emphasis added). Nowhere in section 2232
did Congress provide that the authority to carry out a water resource development project
under section 2232 applies only when the non-Federal interest carries out the project
independently. Consequently, what the Corps asks is not a construction of the statute,
but, in effect, a limitation on the statute’s applicability that Congress allegedly omitted by
inadvertence. King v. IRS, 688 F.2d 488, 491 (7th Cir. 1982) (“[C]ourts have no right, in
the guise of construction of an act, to either add words to or eliminate words from the
language used by congress.” (quoting DeSoto Sec. Co. v. Comm’r, 235 F.2d 409, 411 (7th
Cir. 1956))). Supplying an omission, as the Corps requests, “transcends the judicial
function,” Nichols v. United States, 136 S. Ct. 1113, 1118 (2016) (quoting Iselin v.
United States, 270 U.S. 245, 251 (1926)), and the Court will not add such a limitation
here.
Further, while located in the “Credit and Reimbursement” subsection, Congress
expressly requires the Corps to “monitor and audit any water resources development
project, or separable element . . . constructed by a non-Federal interest under this section
to ensure that . . . the construction is carried out in compliance with the requirements of
this section.” 33 U.S.C. § 2232(d)(4) (emphasis added).
As set forth above, the statute broadly defines the phrase “water resources
development project” to include the Project at issue here.
Id. § 2232(a)(3).
And
numerous places in the statute use the phrase “under this section” or similar language to
refer to all of section 2232. See, e.g., id. § 2232(a) (“In this section”); id. § 2232(b)(2)
- 23 -
(“under this section”); id. § 2232(d)(1), (4), (5) (“under this section”); id. § 2232(e)
(“under this section”). Further, section 2232 particularly identifies subsections when
Congress deemed it necessary, see, e.g., id. § 2232(c) (“undertaken under subsection
(b)”); id. § 2232(d)(1)(B) (“identified under subsection(b)(1)(B)”); id. § 2232(d)(5)
(“under this subsection”), eliciting Congress’ cognizance of the difference between the
word “section” and “subsection.” Thus, based on the plain language of the statute, the
monitoring requirement in section 2232(d)(4) includes a duty to monitor projects carried
out under the authority delineated in section 2232(b).
The Corps’ own assertions during the process of approving the Project – which
were first disclosed in documents provided in discovery after the hearing on this matter –
appear to support the Court’s interpretation of section 2232. 7
In a January 2016
memorandum, the Corps indicated its intention that the Project
be constructed using a “split delivery” concept relying on [section 2232]
. . . . [the Diversion Authority would] be responsible for construction of one
separable element, consisting of the diversion channel and associated
structures, and the [Corps would] be responsible for construction of the
other separable element, consisting of the southern embankment and all
non-integrated mitigation.
7
While the Court recognizes these internal documents are not proper to consider during a
Rule 12(b)(6) motion, see Degnan, 959 F. Supp. 2d at 1193, they are relevant for the motion for
preliminary injunction discussed later in this Order. The Court briefly notes the documents here
because the question of statutory interpretation is relevant to both motions. The Court further
clarifies that while the internal documents provide additional support for the Court’s
determination, the Court’s interpretation of the statute’s plain language does not depend on the
statements made in the documents.
- 24 -
(Decl. of Gerald Von Korff (“Von Korff Decl.”), Ex. 1 at 1, Aug. 4, 2017, Docket No.
508; see also id., Ex. 4 at 1 (indicating the “Split Delivery” concept “[u]tilizes existing
authorities” including section 2232); id., Ex. 5 at 1-2 (discussing “Split Delivery”
construction and the “separable elements” of the Project).) And in a series of draft PPAs,
the Corps and the Diversion Authority included the following language:
WHEREAS, Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of
1986, Public Law 99-662, as amended by Section 1014(b) of [WRRDA2014], allows a non-Federal interest to carry out a water resources
development project, or a separable element thereof, in accordance with a
plan approved by the Secretary of the Army and any conditions the
Secretary of the Army may require[.]
(Von Korff Decl. ¶ 3 & Ex. 2 at 2-3; see also Decl. of Colin O’Donovan (“O’Donovan
Decl.”), Ex. P at 3-4, 8-9, Aug. 18, 2017, Docket No. 522.)
These documents appear to indicate that the Corps intended the Project to fall
under section 2232, in that the Diversion Authority is “responsible for construction of one
separable element, consisting of the diversion channel and associated structures.” (Von
Korff, Ex. 1 at 1; see also PPA at 2 (indicating the non-federal work includes “an
approximately 30 mile . . . diversion channel and associated features; the channel outlet;
the Rush and Lower Rush River hydraulic structures; the Maple River aqueduct; the
Sheyenne River aqueduct; the inflow design flood levee; associated railroad bridges; the
in-town levees and the [OHB Ring Levee]; recreation features; environmental mitigation
features located within the diversion channel and associated structures for the diversion
- 25 -
channel”).) 8
And the documents suggest that section 2232 was the basis for the
apportionment of Project obligations under the PPA. (See PPA at 2; Von Korf Decl. Ex.
1 at 1; O’Donovan Decl., Exs. O, R-T.)
The Court finds section 2232 unambiguously applies to all “water resources
development project[s]” as defined in section 2232(a), including the Project at issue in
this case. Consequently, the “Authority” provisions and conditions in section 2232(b)
apply to the Diversion Authority as it is the “non-Federal sponsor” carrying out the
Project. And the Corps has an independent mandate to monitor and audit the Diversion
Authority as it carries out the Project to ensure compliance with section 2232. Id.
§ 2232(d)(4). Therefore, the Court will deny the Corps’ Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss
Count I in the DNR’s Complaint and part of Count IV in JPA’s Complaint. 9
E.
The Corps’ Motion to Dismiss – NEPA
The Corps also moves to dismiss JPA’s NEPA claim on the grounds that JPA
failed to allege facts supporting its claim that the Corps is required to file a supplemental
8
The Corps cites its own unpublished Engineering Report to indicate section 2232 only
“authorizes non-Federal interests to undertake construction of certain water resources
development projects, with potential credit or reimbursement of the Federal share of that
construction.” (Decl. of Devon Lehman McCune in Supp. of Mot. to Dismiss, Ex. 6 at 2, May
23, 2017, Docket No. 448.)
9
The Corps also argues section 2232 does not apply because both the FEIS and the
Chief’s Report indicated any work completed was done under 42 U.S.C. § 1962-5b. But the
requirements of section 1962-5b are incorporated in section 2232 and, thus, Congress intended
the two provisions to work in concert with each other. See 33 U.S.C. § 2232(d)(1)(A)(iii)
(“[T]he non-Federal interest [must] enter[] into a written agreement with the [Corps] under
section 1962d-5b of title 42[.]”).
- 26 -
environmental impact statement (“SEIS”) in light of the DNR’s denial of the Permit. 10
Under NEPA, the Corps is required to submit an SEIS if: (1) “[t]he agency makes
substantial changes in the proposed action that are relevant to environmental concerns”;
or (2) “[t]here are significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental
concerns and bearing on the proposed action or its impacts.”
40 C.F.R.
§ 1502.9(c)(1)(ii).
The Supreme Court has held “[a]n agency need not supplement an EIS every time
new information comes to light after the EIS is finalized.” Marsh v. Or. Nat. Res.
Council, 490 U.S. 360, 373 (1989).
Such a requirement “would render agency
decisionmaking intractable, always awaiting updated information only to find the new
information outdated by the time a decision is made.” Id.
[T]he decision whether to prepare [an SEIS] is similar to the decision
whether to prepare an EIS in the first instance: If there remains “major
Federal actio[n]” to occur, and if the new information is sufficient to show
that the remaining action will “affec[t] the quality of the human
environment” in a significant manner or to a significant extent not
already considered, a supplemental EIS must be prepared.
Id. at 374 (emphasis added) (quoting 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C)).
Here, the Corps already considered the DNR’s concerns about the Project and the
possibility that the Permit may be denied. See Dist. Court Order II, 176 F. Supp. 3d at
850 (“[T]he Corps undisputedly did respond to numerous comments made by the State of
10
To the extent JPA’s NEPA claim can be construed as raising the same claims already
dismissed with prejudice by this Court, see Dist. Court Order II, 176 F. Supp. 3d at 851, the
Court will grant the Corps’ motion to dismiss Count I in JPA’s Complaint.
- 27 -
Minnesota.”); (DNR Compl. ¶¶ 73-75 (stating that the Corps acknowledge the permit
requirement in the FFREIS)). JPA provided the Court with no citations to comments that
the DNR made that the Corps left unaddressed. (DNR Compl. ¶¶ 71-75 (stating the DNR
informed the Corps that the Diversion Authority would need a permit).) In fact, at the
hearing in this matter, JPA admitted that it relies solely on “[t]he permit denial and the
response of the jurisdictions” to the Permit denial to support its NEPA claim. The Corps
“already considered” the impact of the concerns raised by the DNR and the impact a
Permit denial would have on the Project. See Marsh, 490 U.S. at 374 (emphasis added).
Therefore, JPA fails to allege a “major federal action” necessitating an SEIS and the
Court will grant the Corps’ motion to dismiss JPA’s NEPA claim (Count I).
F.
The Diversion Authority’s Motion to Dismiss
The Diversion Authority separately moves to dismiss Count IV in JPA’s
Complaint against the Diversion Authority for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The
Diversion Authority asserts that Count IV fails because neither section 2232 nor
section 7002 provides a private right of action.
JPA does not contest that WRRDA-2014 does not contain an express private right
of action 11 or that the APA would provide jurisdiction against the Diversion Authority.
11
JPA’s concession is consistent with caselaw regarding previous WRRDA statutes
finding no express private right of action. Envt’l Def. Fund v. Marsh, 651 F.2d 983, 1003 (5th
Cir. 1981) (“WRDA establishes no specific right to judicial review . . . .”); White Oak Realty,
LLC v. U.S. Army Corp of Eng’rs, No. 13-4761, 2014 WL 4387317, at *5 (E.D. La. Sept. 4,
2014) (“Given that the WRDA does not provide a private right of action, the Court can conceive
(Footnote continued on next page.)
- 28 -
Thus, whether the Court should grant the Diversion Authority’s motion turns on whether
WRRDA-2014 contains an implied private right of action.
To analyze whether a statute contains an implied private right of action, the Court
must analyze the following four factors, as described in Cort v. Ash:
(1) whether the plaintiff is a member of the class of persons for whose
benefit the statute was enacted; (2) whether the legislature has implicitly or
explicitly manifested any intent to create or deny such a remedy; (3)
whether it is consistent with the underlying purpose of the legislative
scheme to imply such a remedy; and (4) whether the cause of action is
traditionally a creature of state law such that inferring a cause of action
based solely on federal law would be inappropriate.
McCabe v. City of Eureka, 664 F.2d 680, 681-82 (8th Cir. 1981) (citing Cort v. Ash, 422
U.S. 66, 95 (1975)). Because “[t]he language of the statute and its legislative history do
not suggest that [the statute] was intended to create federal rights for the especial benefit
of a class of persons,” the Court finds “it is unnecessary to inquire” beyond the first two
factors. California v. Sierra Club, 451 U.S. 287, 294 (1981).
The Court must first inquire into whether JPA is “‘one of the class for whose
especial benefit the statute was enacted,’—that is, [whether] the statute create[s] a federal
right in favor of” JPA. Cort, 422 U.S. at 78 (quoting Tex. & Pac. Ry. Co. v. Rigsby, 241
U.S. 33, 39 (1916)). The Supreme Court has explained that “[t]he question is not simply
_______________________________
(Footnote continued.)
of no other way that Plaintiffs could obtain the relief requested other than by filing suit under the
APA.”); Raymond Proffitt Found. v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 175 F. Supp. 2d 755, 762 (E.D.
Pa. 2001) (“[N]either provision of the WRDA at issue in this case makes explicit provision for
judicial review . . . .”).
- 29 -
who would benefit from the Act, but whether Congress intended to confer federal rights
upon those beneficiaries.’” Sierra Club, 451 U.S. at 294.
In New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection & Energy v. Long Island
Power Authority, the Third Circuit held “the Coastal Zone Management Act requirement
conditioning certain federal licenses and permits on [a] showing that proposed activities
compl[ied] with the state’s coastal management program” did not make New Jersey an
especial beneficiary creating right of action against private defendants. 30 F.3d 403, 41819, 421-22 (3d Cir. 1994). The court found that even though the statute benefited New
Jersey because of “enhanced authority and healthier coastal zones,” the ultimate goal of
the statute was to “protect[] the nation’s coastal zones.” Id. at 422. Thus, the statute did
not translate into “a right in favor” of New Jersey to enforce the federal statute against
private defendants.
Here, WRRDA-2014 similarly provides that projects carried out under the statute
must comply with state law and, as a result, Minnesota and local government entities
benefit from “enhanced authority” and more cooperative projects. But the ultimate goal
of WRRDA-2014 – as expressed by Congress – was to “provide for improvements to the
rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development
of water and related resources, and for other purposes.”
WRRDA-2014, Purpose
Statement. Thus, the statute itself was meant to provide improvements to the rivers and
harbors of the United States – not to provide special benefits to state and local entities to
enforce the federal statute against non-Federal sponsors.
- 30 -
The Court must next assess WRRDA-2014 to determine whether there is “any
indication of legislative intent, explicit or implicit, either to create [the requested] remedy
or to deny [it].” Cort, 422 U.S. at 78. Here, JPA relies on the history of federal statutes
relating to water resource projects and the fact that Congress has carefully considered the
role of state sovereignty when enacting the statutes. Thus, JPA argues Congress intended
to provide local governments a right of action to ensure compliance with state regulations
in order to protect state sovereignty.
But courts have held that broad federal statutes focusing on bringing states into a
federal plan “do not represent an open-ended grant of enforcement authority to the
states.” Long Island Power Auth., 30 F.3d at 423. Instead “[a] general statement of
intent to enhance state authority, given effect through explicit measures in the statute
itself, cannot be taken to indicate an intent also to create rights of actions that the statute
fails to mention.” Id.
For these reasons, the Court finds WRRDA-2014 does not contain a private right
of action and will grant the Diversion Authority’s motion to dismiss Count IV in JPA’s
Complaint against the Diversion Authority.
II.
MOTIONS FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIONS
A.
Standard of Review
“A preliminary injunction is an extraordinary remedy never awarded as of right.”
Winter v. Nat. Res. Def. Council, Inc., 555 U.S. 7, 24 (2008). The Court must consider
four factors in determining whether to grant preliminary injunctive relief:
- 31 -
(1) the
probability that the moving party will succeed on the merits; (2) the threat of irreparable
harm to the moving party; (3) the balance of harms as between the parties; and (4) the
public interest. S.J.W. ex rel. Wilson v. Lee’s Summit R-7 Sch. Dist., 696 F.3d 771, 776
(8th Cir. 2012) (citing Dataphase Sys., Inc. v. CL Sys., Inc., 640 F.2d 109, 113 (8th Cir.
1981)). “At base, the question is whether the balance of equities so favors the movant
that justice requires the court to intervene to preserve the status quo until the merits are
determined.” Dataphase, 640 F.2d at 113. The party requesting injunctive relief bears
the complete burden for showing the above factors. Watkins Inc. v. Lewis, 346 F.3d 841,
844 (8th Cir. 2003).
B.
Likelihood of Success
“While no single Dataphase factor is determinative, the likelihood of success on
the merits is predominant in the preliminary injunction analysis.” Dist. Court Order I,
2015 2251481, at *17. The movant must show that it has a “fair chance of prevailing” on
its claims. 12 Planned Parenthood Minn., N.D., S.D. v. Rounds, 530 F.3d 724, 732 (8th
12
The Diversion Authority argues the Court should apply a more stringent “likely to
prevail” standard under this factor. But the Court already decided this issue. The Court held that
[while i]t is true that this [P]roject was brought about through a robust
environmental planning process that involved significant public input[,] . . . . the
Eighth Circuit in Rounds applied the more stringent “likely to prevail” test more
narrowly – not just to governmental decisions that involved public input, but to
government statutes and regulations that involved debate and deliberation by an
elected legislative body. See [Rounds, 530 F.3d] at 732-33 (“Only in a case such
as this one, where a preliminary injunction is sought to enjoin the implementation
of a duly enacted state statute, must district courts make a threshold finding that a
party is likely to prevail on the merits.”).
(Footnote continued on next page.)
- 32 -
Cir. 2008) (en banc). Likelihood of success does not, however, require the moving party
to “prove a greater than fifty per cent likelihood that [it] will prevail on the merits.”
PCTV Gold, Inc. v. SpeedNet, LLC, 508 F.3d 1137, 1143 (8th Cir. 2007) (quoting
Dataphase, 640 F.2d at 113). In considering whether a movant is likely to prevail on the
merits, “a court does not decide whether the movant will ultimately win.” Id. Where, as
here, a plaintiff alleges several violations of state law and seeks one type of injunctive
relief that is tied to all of the alleged statutory violations, it “need only establish a
likelihood of succeeding on the merits of any one of those claims in order to satisfy this
part of the preliminary injunction standard.” Am. Rivers v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs,
271 F. Supp. 2d 230, 250 (D.D.C. 2003).
1.
Claims Against the Corps
Both the DNR and JPA argue that their claims based on WRRDA-2014 are likely
to succeed on the merits because the Corps’ decision to sign the PPA prior to requiring
the Diversion Authority to obtain the Permit was “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of
_______________________________
(Footnote continued.)
Dist. Court Order I, 2015 WL 2251481, at *18. Here, even with claims challenging compliance
with WRRDA-2014, the parties are not seeking to enjoin the implementation the statute or
regulation; the parties simply seek to enjoin one project undertaken pursuant to statutory
authorization. Id. (“[E]ven if the JPA were trying to enjoin [WRRDA-2014]’s authorization of
the project more broadly, that project was adopted along with other projects pursuant to the
[Chief’s Report].
Congress’s authorization of a project pursuant to expert agency
recommendation is far different than adopting a complex statute through fulsome debate that a
plaintiff seeks to permanently bar from being enforced.”). Thus, the Court will apply the “fair
chance of prevailing” standard.
- 33 -
discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.” 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A). While the
Court’s factual inquiry must be “searching and careful,” the scope of review is quite
narrow; the Court is “not empowered to substitute its [own] judgment for that of the
agency.” Citizens to Pres. Overton Park, Inc. v. Volpe, 401 U.S. 402, 416 (1971). The
Court should simply determine “whether the decision was based on a consideration of the
relevant factors and whether there has been a clear error of judgment.” Downer v. U.S. ex
rel. U.S. Dep’t of Agric. & Soil Conservation, 97 F.3d 999, 1002 (8th Cir.1996) (quoting
Marsh, 490 U.S. at 378).
a.
Section 2232 Claim
Here, the DNR and JPA have alleged entering into the PPA was an arbitrary and
capricious action or was not in accordance with the law because it was “premature” to
sign the PPA prior to the Diversion Authority obtaining permits allegedly required by
WRRDA-2014. (DNR Compl. ¶ 92 (“[S]igning the PPA was premature and inconsistent
with the guidance from the OMB when allocating Project funding”); id. ¶¶ 109, 120
(explaining the action in paragraph 92 “[was] arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of
discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law”); JPA Compl. ¶ 46 (“These actions
were outside the scope of the authority granted by [WRRDA-2014] and were arbitrary
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and capricious”).) 13
To support this claim, the DNR and JPA rely primarily on
uncontested facts.
The record reflects that the Corps and the Diversion Authority signed the PPA on
July 11, 2016. (PPA at 15.) The PPA “set forth the rights and obligations of the Corps
and the Diversion Authority pertaining to Project construction and operation.” (DNR
Compl. ¶¶ 26, 91; JPA Compl. ¶ 46.) The PPA divided construction responsibility into
two categories: “Federal Work” and “Non-Federal Work” and limited the “Non-Federal
Work” to construction occurring primarily on the North Dakota side of the Red River.
(PPA at 2.) And the PPA opened the door for both the Corps and the Diversion Authority
to begin construction of the Project. (Chief’s Report at 5, 8 (indicating the Corps and the
Diversion Authority must enter an agreement before construction begins).)
Before July 11, 2016, the DNR made clear to the Corps that Minnesota law
required the Diversion Authority to obtain permits prior to beginning construction of the
13
The DNR and JPA also allege that it was arbitrary and capricious and not in
accordance with law for the Corps and the Diversion Authority to draft and sign the PPA in an
attempt to circumvent Minnesota’s permitting authority. (DNR Compl. ¶¶ 93 (explaining the
PPA divided work so that “most of the Project work to be undertaken in Minnesota” would be
constructed by the Corps); id. ¶¶ 109, 120 (explaining the action in paragraph 93 “[was] arbitrary
and capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law”); JPA Compl.
¶ 8 (noting the Corps will undertake “some construction” of the Project under the PPA); id.
¶¶ 45-46 (describing the PPA’s division of labor as “arbitrary and capricious”); PPA at 2
(dividing “non-federal” and “federal” work).) After the hearing in this matter, documents were
disclosed that support this contention. (O’Donovan Decl., Ex. L at 4 (indicating the Corps and
the Diversion Authority drafted certain sections of the PPA to avoid “forsee[able] objections
arising from Project opponents, some of which c[ould] be silenced or preempted by merely
giving the [Corps] authority to use its own power”).) Because the Court finds there is a
likelihood of success on the merits of their claims regarding premature signing of the PPA, the
Court does not address the merits of this claim. See Am. Rivers, 271 F. Supp. 2d at 250.
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Project. (Decl. of Gerald Von Korff, Ex. 4 at 17-18, Nov. 30, 2016, Docket No. 347
(DNR June 29, 2016 ROD stating the Permit was required); id., Ex. 6 at 1 (letter from
DNR informing the Corps that the “state’s permitting process [was] ongoing” and that the
completion of the environmental review process “should not, by any means, be
interpreted as a project approval or as an indication that state permits are likely to be
forthcoming” because the Project “presents significant issues under Minnesota’s
regulatory system”).) And the DNR implicitly warned the Corps that it should not sign
the PPA because outstanding regulatory issues could affect construction of the project.
(Id., Ex. 6 at 1.) In spite of these warnings, the Corps executed the PPA.
Based upon these uncontested facts, the DNR and JPA have a fair chance of
prevailing on their section 2232 claim. As set forth above, section 2232(b)(2)(a) requires
that “[b]efore” the Diversion Authority carries out the Project, it must “obtain any
permit or approval required in connection with the project . . . under Federal or State
law.” (Emphasis added). The statute further requires the Corps to “monitor and audit”
the Project to ensure “the construction is carried out in compliance with the
requirements” of section 2232. 33 U.S.C. § 2232(d)(4). Here, the DNR and JPA present
evidence the DNR informed the Corps that regulatory issues regarding the Diversion
Authority were outstanding and, in spite of this warning, the Corps signed the PPA
allowing the Diversion Authority to begin construction of the Project. Under this set of
facts, the DNR and JPA have shown a likelihood of success on their claim that signing
the PPA was “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance
with law,” 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A), because the Corps’ actions violated section 2232.
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The Corps disagrees with this reasoning, presenting evidence that “[m]ost
construction permits for the [P]roject . . . cannot be obtained prior to executing a PPA
because near-final to final detailed designs must be completed in order to apply.” (Decl.
of Terryl L. Williams (“Williams Decl.”) ¶ 9, May 31, 2017, Docket No. 468.) But
section 2232(b)(2)(A) plainly requires that the Diversion Authority “obtain any permit”
required by law “[b]efore carrying out” the Project. And section 2232(d)(4) mandates
that the Corps ensure “construction is carried out in compliance with [that]
requirement[].”
The Corps next argues the DNR failed to show a likelihood of success on the
merits of the 2232 claim because the Diversion Authority is not required to get a permit
for work the Diversion Authority does not complete. But the Eighth Circuit held that
“laws governing a project that crosses the border between two states are bound to have
some extraterritorial effect”; if the Diversion Authority was “permitted to begin building
the diversion project in North Dakota, and could only be stopped once it reached the
Minnesota border, the practical effect would be that for interstate projects, the state with
more lenient laws would always control.” Appellate Court Order, 826 F.3d at 1042
(quoting Dist. Court Order I, 2015 WL 2251481, at *15). Thus the Eighth Circuit
affirmed the Court’s earlier finding that the requirements of Minnesota law applied to the
Diversion Authority, even when it only completed work outside the state, because
“Minnesota has an interest in regulating the larger diversion project and its parts.” Id.
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b.
Section 7002 Claim
The DNR and JPA also argue they are likely to succeed on their section 7002
claim. Section 7002 provides:
The following final feasibility studies for water resource development and
conservation . . . are authorized to be carried out by the [Corps]
substantially in accordance with the plan, and subject to the conditions,
described in the respective reports designated in this section.
The report specific to the Project that is designated under section 7002 is the
Chief’s Report dated December 19, 2011. The Chief’s Report endorsed the FFREIS
where the Corps acknowledged that
[a]s part of implementing this project, the non-federal sponsors [were]
required to obtain a [DNR] protected waters permit . . . . In order to obtain
the necessary permits from the state of Minnesota, the non-federal sponsors
[were required to] complete the scoping and review process required by the
Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. . . . The construction contractors
[were] responsible for acquiring all local licenses/permits required to
comply with state and municipal laws, codes and regulations.
(DNR Compl. ¶ 74; JPA Compl. ¶ 34; accord Notice of Submission of Exs., Ex. F.) And
the Chief’s Report noted in several locations that the Project would comply with “Federal
and State laws and regulations.” (Chief’s Report at 4. 7.)
As set forth above, the record shows the DNR informed the Corps that regulatory
issues regarding the Diversion Authority were outstanding and, in spite of this warning,
the Corps signed the PPA allowing the Diversion Authority to begin construction of the
Project.
Under this set of facts, the DNR and JPA have shown “fair chance of
prevailing,” Planned Parenthood, 530 F.3d at 732, on their section 7002 claim on the
ground that the Corps’ decision to sign the PPA in spite of outstanding regulatory issues
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was “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with
law,” 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A).
The Corps argues the DNR is not likely to succeed on the merits because the
Chief’s Report only requires compliance with “State laws and regulations” and, by only
completing work in North Dakota, the Diversion Authority does not need a Minnesota
permit. As stated above, the Eighth Circuit held “laws governing a project that crosses
the border between two states are bound to have some extraterritorial effect;” and if the
Diversion Authority was “permitted to begin building the diversion project in North
Dakota, and could only be stopped once it reached the Minnesota border, the practical
effect would be that for interstate projects, the state with more lenient laws would always
control.”
Appellate Court Order, 826 F.3d at 1042.
Applying this reasoning, the
Diversion Authority cannot circumvent its obligation to obtain Minnesota permits simply
by completing work in North Dakota when the parties agree the work in North Dakota
will impact Minnesota and the Red River.
The Corps also argues the DNR and JPA are not likely to succeed on the merits of
the section 7002 claim because the statute only requires the Corps to carry out the Project
“substantially in accordance with the plan.” WRRDA-2014 § 7002. But section 7002
fully states that the Project is “authorized to be carried out . . . substantially in accordance
with the plan, and subject to the conditions, described in the respective reports.” Id.
(emphasis added).
Reading the plain language of the statute, the word “and” is a
coordinating conjunction that is used to “link[] independent ideas.” Bruesewitz v. Wyeth
LLC, 562 U.S. 223, 236 (2011). When terms are connected by a conjunctive term in a
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statute, “courts normally interpret the statute as requiring satisfaction of both of the
conjunctive terms.” United States v. Ganadonegro, 854 F. Supp. 2d 1068, 1081 (D.N.M.
2012) (citing Bruesewitz, 562 U.S. at 236).
Here, the use of the word “and” reveals two separate requirements in section 7002:
the Corps must carry out the Project (1) “substantially in accordance with the plan . . .
described in the [Chief’s Report]”; and (2) “subject to the conditions[] described in the
[Chief’s Report].” WRRDA-2014 § 7002. Reviewing the Chief’s Report, the Project
recommendation was “subject to the condition[],” id., that non-Federal sponsors would
comply “with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations,” (Chief’s Report at
4, 7). Thus, while the Corps has some discretion regarding the specifics of the Project
itself, Congress did not provide for such discretion with regard to the conditions set forth
in the Chief’s Report. Because compliance with state laws and regulations was plainly a
condition set forth in the Chief’s Report, the Corps’ argument is unavailing.
For these reasons, the Court finds the DNR and JPA have shown a fair chance of
prevailing on their claims against the Corps.
2.
Claims Against the Diversion Authority
The DNR and JPA also assert that they have shown a fair chance of prevailing on
their state-law claims against the Diversion Authority.
The Diversion Authority
challenges the DNR’s and JPA’s analysis on three grounds: Dormant Commerce Clause;
preemption; and the merits.
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a.
Dormant Commerce Clause
The Diversion Authority first asserts that, even if the DNR and JPA were likely to
succeed on the merits, the claims against the Diversion Authority are precluded by the
Dormant Commerce Clause. The Court already decided this issue, explaining:
Unlike a state statute that effectively reins in out-of-state energy producers,
here, MEPA and MERA would regulate the [Diversion] Authority[, which]
is partially led by Minnesota governmental units (the kind expressly
regulated by both MEPA and MERA) engaged in a project that will take
place, in part, in Minnesota. As the Supreme Court has said, the [D]ormant
Commerce Clause is about protecting interstate commerce from being
unduly burdened by states, but it is not a tool to allow citizens to protect
themselves from their own responsibilities. In other words, to let
[Diversion] Authority – particularly its Minnesota members – escape
Minnesota environmental law via the [D]ormant Commerce Clause, would
be to extend that clause’s reach beyond its traditional focus on keeping one
state from regulating the commerce of another. It may be that only
[Diversion] Authority’s North Dakota members sign construction
paperwork as to construction in North Dakota, but, as noted above, that
does not change the fact that Minnesota counties and cities are still equal
members in the Diversion Authority and that the [Diversion] Authority is
ultimately the local sponsor in charge of and responsible for all non-federal
funding and construction, including the integral work on portions like the
OHB [R]ing [L]evee.
Id. at *13-15. The Eighth Circuit affirmed this reasoning. Appellate Court Order, 826
F.3d at 1042. The Court finds the factual distinction between the Diversion Authority
constructing North Dakota portions of the Project set forth in the PPA, as opposed to the
OHB Ring Levee in North Dakota, does not change the Court’s previous analysis, and,
again, the Court finds the application of Minnesota’s regulatory requirements does not
violate the Dormant Commerce Clause.
- 41 -
b.
Preemption
The Diversion Authority also argues the DNR and JPA are not likely to succeed
on their state-law claims because state law is preempted by WRRDA-2014.
The
Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution provides that the “Laws of the
United States . . . shall be the supreme Law of the Land.” U.S. Const. art. VI, cl. 2.
Under this clause, any “state law that conflicts with federal law is ‘without effect.’”
Cipollone v. Liggett Grp., Inc., 505 U.S. 504, 516 (1992) (quoting Maryland v.
Louisiana, 451 U.S. 725, 746 (1981)). Preemption can be express or implied. “[A] court
may find that Congress impliedly preempted such claims by ‘conflict’ if 1) compliance
with both federal and state law is impossible, or 2) the claims would ‘stand[] as an
obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of the full purposes and objectives of
Congress.” Mensing v. Wyeth, Inc., 588 F.3d 603, 608 (8th Cir. 2009) (quoting Crosby v.
Nat’l Foreign Trade Council, 530 U.S. 363, 372-73 (2000)), rev’d in part on other
grounds sub nom. Pliva, Inc. v. Mensing, 564 U.S. 604 (2011). Therefore, “a conflict
arises when compliance with both federal and state regulations is a physical
impossibility.” Schedin v. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharm., Inc., 776 F. Supp. 2d 907, 910
(D. Minn. 2011) (emphasis omitted) (quoting Hillsborough County v. Automated Med.
Labs., Inc., 471 U.S. 707, 713 (1985)).
The Court is not persuaded by the Diversion Authority’s preemption arguments.
As stated above, WRRDA-2014 requires compliance with state laws and regulations. 33
U.S.C. § 2232(b)(2)(A) (requiring the Diversion Authority to obtain relevant permits);
- 42 -
WRRDA-2014 § 7002 (“subject to the conditions, described in the respective reports”);
Chief’s Report at 7 (requiring the Diversion Authority to “[c]omply with all applicable
. . . State laws and regulations”). In order to comply with state law, the Diversion
Authority must obtain permits, making compliance with both state and federal law not
only possible, but tantamount to complying with federal law. 14
The Diversion Authority also argues that because the Corps already submitted a
final plan that was approved by Congress, any permit that conflicts with the approval
stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment of that goal. To support this argument, the
Diversion Authority cites In re Operation of Missouri River Systems Litigation, 320 F.
Supp. 2d 873, 878 (D. Minn. 2004). There, the court found that “[r]equiring the Corps to
comply with North Dakota’s water quality standards irrespective of the Corps’ other
obligations and existing river conditions circumvents the intention of Congress in its
enactment of the [Flood Control Act] and the [Clean Water Act].” Id.
The court
explained that ordering the Corps to comply with North Dakota’s standards would cause
Corps to “violate its federal statutory obligations.”
Id.
Thus, because the Corps’
obligations between federal and state law conflicted, the state law was preempted. Id.
14
The Diversion Authority also asserts that, because WRRDA-2014 adopted a detailed
feasibility report, the law left no room for Minnesota to regulate the feasibility of the Project.
But the FFREIS acknowledged that “[a]s part of implementing this project, the non-federal
sponsors [were] required to obtain [the Permit]” and “[t]he construction contractors [were]
responsible for acquiring all local licenses/permits required to comply with state and municipal
laws, codes and regulations.” (Notice of Submission of Exs., Ex. F at 109.) Thus, the feasibility
report left room for Minnesota regulation of the Project. (See also Chief’s Report at 4, 6-7.)
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But this case is not analogous to Missouri River Systems. Here, the DNR and JPA
do not seek to require the Corps to obtain a permit conflicting with Congress’s
authorization. Instead, the Diversion Authority, made up in part of Minnesota entities
subject to DNR jurisdiction, seeks to avoid obtaining a Minnesota permit under the guise
that the permitting requirements would conflict with the Congressional authorization.
And, as repeatedly stated, WRRDA-2014 requires the Diversion Authority to comply
with state laws and regulations and, therefore, there is no conflict with the authorization.
Further, the Diversion Authority’s argument hinges on the notion that the
parameters of the Project cannot change after Congress passed the authorization. But
along with explicitly requiring compliance with state regulations, WRRDA-2014 only
requires “substantial compliance” with the plan set forth in the Chief’s Report. See
WRRDA-2014 § 7002. And there is evidence in the record suggesting the plan can
change after Congressional authorization. (See, e.g., Williams Decl. ¶ 9.) Such evidence
shows that, even after Congressional authorization, the Corps can alter the final designs
for the Project.
For these reasons, the Court concludes WRRDA-2014 does not preempt
Minnesota’s permitting requirements.
c.
MERA – Merits
The DNR and JPA assert that they are likely to succeed on their MERA claims.
MERA “permits any person to maintain a civil action for declaratory or equitable relief
against another person ‘for the protection of the air, water, land, or other natural
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resources located within the state, whether publicly or privately owned, from pollution,
impairment, or destruction.’” White v. Minn. Dep’t of Nat. Res., 567 N.W.2d 724, 737
(Minn. Ct. App. 1997) (quoting Minn. Stat. § 116B.03, subd. 1). “Person” is defined to
include “any natural person, any state, municipality or other governmental or political
subdivision or other public agency or instrumentality, [or] any public or private
corporation . . . .” Minn. Stat. § 116B.02, subd. 2.
The DNR and JPA correctly point out there are two distinct paths to showing a
MERA violation. The first requires the DNR and JPA to show “‘any conduct by any
person which violates, or is likely to violate,’ any environmental quality standard, permit,
or similar rule.” State by Schaller v. County of Blue Earth, 563 N.W.2d 260, 264 (Minn.
1997) (quoting Minn. Stat. § 116B.02, subd. 5). The second path necessitates showing
conduct “materially adversely affects or is likely to materially adversely affect the
environment.” Id. (emphasis omitted) (quoting Minn. Stat. § 116B.02, subd. 5). Both are
discussed in turn.
Beginning with the first path, “MERA . . . does not define what constitutes an
environmental-quality standard, limitation, or rule.” State ex rel. Afremov v. Remes, No.
A14-2037, 2015 WL 4715316, at *5 (Minn. Ct. App. Aug. 10, 2015). But the Minnesota
Court of Appeals has defined the term as “a standard, limitation, or rule with a primary
purpose of protecting Minnesota’s natural resources.” Id. at *7 (emphasis added).
The Diversion Authority does not dispute that the Permit requirement has the “primary
purpose of protecting Minnesota’s natural resources.”
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The DNR and JPA assert that they have shown a fair likelihood of success on their
MERA claims because the Diversion Authority violates Minn. Stat. § 103G.245 and
related regulations by constructing the Project without the Permit. The DNR points out
that section 103G.245, subdivision 1, requires a permit in order to “construct, reconstruct,
remove, abandon, transfer ownership, or make any change in a . . . dam . . . on public
waters.” Further, a permit is required for “a project affecting floodwaters.” Id., subd. 9.
Thus, because any work the Diversion Authority does with regard to construction of the
Project affects both a dam on public waters and floodwaters, any work completed by the
Diversion Authority without a Permit violates Minnesota law and regulations. See also
Minn. R. 6115.0190, subp. 5 (fill of public waters); Minn. R. 6115.0200, subp. 5
(excavation of public waters); Minn. R. 6115.0300 (construction and operation of dams).
The Diversion Authority responds that the regulations the DNR and JPA rely on
do not apply to the actions of the Diversion Authority because the term “public waters”
does not reach outside the border of Minnesota. While the Diversion Authority is correct
that the definition of “public waters” does not explicitly cover watercourses bordering the
state, the term does refer to, among other things, “natural and altered watercourses with a
total drainage area greater than two square miles.” Minn. Stat. § 103G.005, subd. 15(9).
Further, Minnesota defines “waters of the state” to include “boundary and inland
waters.” Id., subd. 17 (emphasis added). Thus, the Diversion Authority’s statutory
argument does not support a finding that Minnesota cannot regulate projects affecting
waters that border the state. Further, the Eighth Circuit held that “Minnesota has an
interest in regulating the larger diversion project and its parts” – including portions of the
- 46 -
Project constructed in North Dakota, because of the Project’s connections to and effects
on Minnesota. Appellate Court Order, 826 F.3d at 1042.
The Diversion Authority also argues that, to the extent it is required to obtain the
Permit, it is not required to do so until the Diversion Authority touches the Red River.
This argument is also inconsistent with the Eighth Circuit’s holding. See id. In addition,
the Diversion Authority is acquiring Minnesota land to assist the Corps in construction of
the Project on the Minnesota side of the river.
(PPA at 4-5 (noting the Diversion
Authority “shall acquire the real property interests” defined as “lands, easements, and
rights-of-way”).) Thus, as obtaining such land is necessary to accomplish the Project and
these acts constitute “construct[ion], . . . transfer [of] ownership . . . , or . . . [a] change in
a . . . dam . . . on public waters,” the permitting requirements apply.
Minn. Stat.
§ 103G.245, subd. 1. For these reasons, the DNR is likely succeed on its MERA claim
against the Diversion Authority.
With regard to the second path to establishing a MERA claim, the Minnesota
Supreme Court requires the Court to weigh five factors:
(1) The quality and severity of any adverse effects of the proposed action
on the natural resources affected;
(2) Whether the natural resources affected are rare, unique, endangered, or
have historical significance;
(3) Whether the proposed action will have long-term adverse effects on
natural resources, including whether the affected resources are easily
replaceable (for example, by replanting trees or restocking fish);
(4) Whether the proposed action will have significant consequential effects
on other natural resources (for example, whether wildlife will be lost if its
habitat is impaired or destroyed);
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(5) Whether the affected natural resources are significantly increasing or
decreasing in number, considering the direct and consequential impact of
the proposed action.
Schaller, 563 N.W.2d at 267.
The DNR and JPA rely on numerous findings the DNR made when denying the
Permit to support its argument that the Diversion Authority’s conduct is likely to have a
materially adverse impact on Minnesota’s environment. When denying the Permit, the
DNR identified that the Project would reduce the stability of streams and rivers, result in
the loss of fish connectivity, impact aquatic habitat, and encourage the spread of invasive
species. (See, e.g., DNR Permit Denial ¶ 48, at 10, 12-13.) The Diversion Authority
does not directly respond to this argument by presenting competing evidence regarding
the effect the Project will have on Minnesota’s environment, 15 (see Diversion Authority’s
Mem. in Opp. to DNR’s Mot. for Prelim. Inj. at 20 n.3, May 31, 2017, Docket No. 459),
15
The Diversion Authority asks the Court not to consider this argument because the
Diversion Authority was not permitted to seek expedited discovery on this issue. Specifically,
the Diversion Authority asserts that the DNR and JPA cannot rely on the “materially adverse
impact” claim to show a likelihood of success on the MERA claim because the DNR represented
to the magistrate judge that no factual issues were presented as part of the motion for a
preliminary injunction. But the record shows that, with the benefit of the DNR’s and JPA’s
initial briefing on the motions for preliminary injunctions, the magistrate judge determined there
were no grounds for expedited discovery. (Order at 2-5, May 4, 2017, Docket No. 436.) The
magistrate judge made the decision knowing the DNR and JPA made arguments regarding
“materially adverse impact” under MERA and, even so, used its discretion to deny the motion.
(Id.; see also JPA’s Mem. in Supp. of Mot. for Prelim. Inj. at 28-29, Mar. 30, 2017, Docket No.
414; DNR’s Mem. in Supp. of Mot. for Prelim. Inj. at 18-20, Apr. 21, 2017, Docket 426.) Thus,
the magistrate judge’s decision does not impact the DNR’s and JPA’s claims that they are
entitled to a preliminary injunction for their MERA claims on the ground of “materially adverse
impact.”
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and, therefore, the Court finds the DNR and JPA have presented sufficient evidence to
show a fair likelihood of success on the merits.
d.
Section 103G.135 – Merits
Finally, the DNR asserts that it is likely to prevail on its claim pursuant to Minn.
Stat. § 103G.135. The statute provides:
[u]pon application of the commissioner, the district court of a county where
a project is entirely or partially located may by injunction enforce
compliance with, or restrain the violation of, an order of the commissioner
made under [chapter 103G] or chapter 103F, or restrain the violation of this
chapter or chapter 103F.
The DNR contends the record shows the Diversion Authority is “undertak[ing] or
procur[ing] another to undertake an alteration in the course, current, or cross section of
public waters . . . after a permit to undertake the project has been denied” in violation of
Minn. Stat. § 103G.141, subd. 1(3) and, therefore, the DNR is entitled to an injunction.
The Diversion Authority responds that, because there is a contested case hearing
regarding the Permit denial, there is not a final order denying the Permit and an
injunction could not be enforced.
But the DNR correctly points out that
section 103G.135 does not require a final order.
It only limits injunctive relief to
enforcing “an order of the commissioner.” Minn. Stat. § 103G.135 (emphasis added).
The Diversion Authority also argues this section does not apply because the Diversion
Authority is only completing work in North Dakota so it is not in violation of the
commissioner’s order. But the Permit denial related to the “proposed Project” as a
whole, not just the construction physically occurring in Minnesota. And, as discussed
- 49 -
above, the Diversion Authority is acquiring land in Minnesota to aid in construction of
the project and Minnesota has an interest in regulating the Project. 16
For these reasons, the Court finds the DNR and JPA have shown a fair likelihood
of success on their claims against the Diversion Authority.
C.
Irreparable Harm
Next, for the Court to find that a preliminary injunction is appropriate, “a party
must show that the harm is certain and great and of such imminence that there is a clear
and present need for equitable relief.” Roudachevski v. All-Am. Care Ctrs., Inc., 648 F.3d
701, 706 (8th Cir. 2011) (quoting Iowa Utils. Bd. v. FCC, 109 F.3d 418, 425 (8th Cir.
1996)). However, “the alleged harm need not be occurring or be certain to occur before a
court may grant relief.” Michigan v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 667 F.3d 765, 788 (7th
Cir. 2011).
1.
The DNR
The DNR asserts that it will suffer both procedural and substantive harm if the
Court denies its motion for a preliminary injunction.
The DNR argues that failed
enforcement of the Permit denial is a cognizable procedural harm that will occur in the
absence of a preliminary injunction. The DNR also asserts that it will suffer substantive
16
Arguably, the DNR is entitled to an injunction on its section 103G.135 claim due to the
Diversion Authority’s failure to comply with the Permit denial by beginning construction on the
Project. Because the Court finds an injunction is warranted under the Dataphase factors, it does
not separately decide this issue.
- 50 -
harm in the form of reduced stream and river stability, loss of fish connectivity, harm to
aquatic habitats, and the spread of invasive species in Minnesota that will result from the
Project. (See, e.g., DNR Permit Denial ¶ 48.)
The Corps argues the DNR’s alleged procedural violation is insufficient because
any injury to the DNR has already occurred. To support this proposition, the Corps cites
Am. Ass’n for Homecare v. Leavitt, No. 08-0992, 2008 WL 2580217, at *5 (D.D.C. June
30, 2008). There, the court found an advocacy group representing healthcare businesses
failed to show irreparable procedural harm when the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services initiated a program that excluded the advocacy group from a Medicare
competitive bidding program. Id. at *1. Applying the stringent standard used in the
District of Columbia, the court found the advocacy group failed to show irreparable
harm. Id. at *4-5. The court reasoned that the advocacy group failed to show irreparable
procedural harm, in part, because any procedural violation had “already occurred,” as the
bidding process had already resulted in the award of contracts. Id. at *2-3, 5.
This case is highly distinguishable from Leavitt. Not only does the Eighth Circuit
apply a different legal standard, but the procedural violation in Leavitt had “already
occurred” because “the government announced the winning bidders” before the advocacy
group filed the complaint. See id. at *2. Thus, contracts were already awarded to other
groups and the advocacy group’s harm in not receiving a contract had already occurred
and would not be remedied by a preliminary injunction. Id. at *5. In contrast, every day
the Corps and the Diversion Authority construct the Project, there is a continuing
violation of the Permit denial; the ongoing passage of time also reduces the opportunities
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for the DNR to influence the final iteration of the Project. Finally, failure to comply with
Minnesota law governing environmental permits “is a harm in and of itself” of a
character not alleged in Leavitt. See Dist. Court Order I, 2015 WL 2251481, at *22.
The Corps also argues that the DNR failed to allege a substantive harm because
nothing the Corps will do in the next nine months is irreparable. But the Court has
already held that once the project begins, it creates the risk of a “steam roller” effect
preventing the DNR from properly regulating the Project. 17 Id. at *14, 22, 24; see also
Appellate Court Order, 826 F.3d at 1039 (holding procedural harm can be shown when it
is difficult to stop “the specific iteration of the larger project once construction has
begun”). And no one disputes that the Project itself – including actions taken on the
North Dakota side of the river – will substantively impact Minnesota. Thus, the DNR
alleged substantive harm from the Project.
The Diversion Authority also argues the DNR failed to allege substantive harm
because no soil in Minnesota will be touched for at least two years. But, as discussed
above, the Diversion Authority is purchasing land in Minnesota to assist in construction
of the Project and any construction of a dam on the Red River will have an environmental
effect on Minnesota. Thus, again, the DNR alleged substantive harm.
17
The Diversion Authority argues the Court should not apply the “steam roller” doctrine
because the Minnesota statutes do not require a permit before beginning construction. But
Minnesota law requires that the Diversion Authority obtain a permit prior to constructing a dam
in Minnesota. See Minn. Stat. § 103G.245, subd. 1. Thus, there is a temporal requirement for
obtaining a permit.
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For these reasons, the Court finds the DNR presented sufficient evidence of
irreparable injury to warrant a preliminary injunction.
2.
JPA
JPA also asserts that it will be procedurally injured if the Corps and the Diversion
Authority proceed without compliance with state law. JPA also argues it will be injured
because the public process of requiring Minnesota permits will be undermined.
The Corps correctly points out that procedural harm alone, without some effect on
the litigant’s concrete interest, is not sufficient to show irreparable harm, Summers v.
Earth Island Inst., 555 U.S. 488, 496 (2009), and that JPA must “show irreparable harm
to” itself, Appellate Court Order, 826 F.3d at 1037. Thus, the harm Minnesota suffers
because state law is undermined is not the same as the harm to JPA. But the Eighth
Circuit has already affirmed that JPA has specific environmental interests that will be
undermined if the Corps and the Diversion Authority construct the Project prior to
compliance with Minnesota’s laws and regulations.
See id. (“JPA’s specific
environmental interests [are] sufficient to support a preliminary injunction.
The
procedural harm identified . . . was the [Diversion] Authority’s continued work on ‘an
integral part of the diversion project prior to the completion of the MDNR’s
environmental review.’
This construction, prior to completing the review, could be
presumed to risk real environmental harm.”).
Further, while JPA made somewhat vague assertions regarding the substantive
harm that JPA will suffer should construction continue, as part of the motion for a
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preliminary injunction JPA submitted a declaration from Marcus Larson, a resident of
Bakke, North Dakota. (Decl. of Marcus Larson, Mar. 30, 2017, Docket No. 415.) In that
document, Larson documents that the North Dakota communities of Hickson and Bakke
currently have few flooding-related issues (id. ¶¶ 4; 9(a)), the new dam will create
flooding-related issues (id. ¶¶ 6, 9(b)), the Project will create a wet pond that “will be a
stagnant nuisance” (id. ¶ 9(b)), and the Project will “deflat[e] property values” in the
community (id. ¶ 9(d)). Here, “the construction . . . is critically tied to that eventual harm”
discussed by Larson because the specific configuration of the Project, if completed, will
have a certain and significant impact on citizens in Hickson, Bakke, and elsewhere. Dist.
Court Order I, 2015 WL 2251481, at *23. “That certain and significant impact will no
doubt have immediate consequences in terms of property value, at a minimum.” Id.
For these reasons, the Court finds JPA presented sufficient evidence of both
procedural and substantive harm to show irreparable injury warranting a preliminary
injunction.
D.
Balance of the Harms
With regard to the balance of the harms, the Court acknowledges that a delay in
construction will result in extending the time it takes to complete the Project. The Court
further understands the risk of flood exposure faced by the Fargo-Moorhead community
and that a delay may result in higher construction costs. But those harms are outweighed
by the harm the DNR and JPA will suffer if the DNR’s orders are not enforced and the
damage Minnesota will suffer if the Project moves forward without ensuring compliance
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with Minnesota law. And, at the end of the day, if construction proceeds too far, any
ultimate decision of the DNR will have no meaning because the parties will no longer be
able to modify the specific iteration of the Project.
E.
Public Interest
“Finally, before granting a preliminary injunction, the Court must also consider
the public interest.” Dist. Court Order I, 2015 WL 2251481, at *24. Here, the Court
finds the public interest aligns with the DNR and JPA. While the Fargo-Moorhead
community will certainly benefit from permanent flood protection once the Project is
complete, Minnesota must have the authority to adequately protect its citizens and ensure
non-Federal interests comply with state law when engaging in projects that impact
Minnesota waters. Had Congress intended to circumvent Minnesota laws and regulations
in order to ensure fast construction of the Project, it could have fashioned the
authorization in a way that avoided Minnesota’s regulatory requirements.
Instead,
Congress has repeatedly indicated its intent that the Project comply with Minnesota’s
laws and regulations and, therefore, as Congress made this express statement, the public
interest weighs in favor of granting the motions for a preliminary injunction.
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F.
Conclusion
After weighing the Dataphase factors, the Court will grant the DNR’s and JPA’s
motions for preliminary injunctions. At this time, the Court will enjoin all construction
of the Project. If portions of the Project construction have no impact on Minnesota’s
waterways, the Court will consider requests to allow that construction to go forward.
Ultimately, at this stage, the Court finds the DNR and JPA are likely succeed on
their claims that the Project must comply with Minnesota laws and regulations –
including obtaining necessary permits – prior to construction. Construction of the Project
prior to compliance with state law creates a real risk of the “steam roller” effect, making
it difficult for the DNR to require modifications to mitigate damages to Minnesota.
Under these circumstances, “justice requires the court to intervene to preserve the status
quo until the merits are determined.” Dataphase, 640 F.2d at 113.
III.
MOTION FOR SANCTIONS
JPA requests that the Court postpone decision on the motions to dismiss and
motions for a preliminary injunction until the parties supplement the record and provide
supplemental briefing. According to JPA, the Corps and the Diversion Authority violated
Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 when they disclosed certain documents two days after the hearing on
the pending motions to dismiss and motions for preliminary injunctions. (JPA’s Mem. in
Supp. of Mot. for Rule 37(c)(1) Sanctions and Leave to Suppl. at 11-14, Aug. 4, 2017,
Docket No. 507.)
JPA asserts the new documents undermine the Corps’ and the
Diversion Authority’s arguments regarding WRRDA-2014 and NEPA. (Id. at 4.)
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Rule 37(c)(1) provides that
If a party fails to provide information . . . as required by Rule 26(a) or (e),
the party is not allowed to use that information or witness to supply
evidence on a motion . . . unless the failure was substantially justified or is
harmless. In addition to or instead of this sanction, the court, on motion
and after giving an opportunity to be heard: . . . may impose other
appropriate sanctions.”
The Court “has wide discretion to fashion a remedy or sanction as appropriate for the
particular circumstances of the case.” Wegener v. Johnson, 527 F.3d 687, 692 (8th Cir.
2008).
Here, JPA seeks sanctions in the form of postponing decision on the motions and
providing an opportunity to supplement the record. Having reviewed the documents
submitted by JPA, (see Von Korff Decl., Exs. 1-7), even assuming the Court found the
Corps and the Diversion Authority failed to comply with Rule 26, the submitted
documents would not change the Court’s analysis of the WRRDA-2014 or NEPA claims.
The Court, therefore, finds it unnecessary to sanction the Corps or the Diversion
Authority at this time by postponing decision on the pending motions. See Dist. Court
Order III, 2017 WL 740994, at *2 (“The Court intends to move this case along as
expeditiously as possible.”). If however evidence is discovered at a later date showing
discovery violations, the Court will entertain a renewed motion for sanctions.
CONCLUSION
There is no question that communities along the Red River, particularly Fargo and
Moorhead, need permanent flood protection. Severe flooding in recent years has left
little doubt that a river flowing north in a cold climate at the bottom of a large flat basin
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will overflow its banks if snowmelt, rainfall, and temperature collide in a manner that
causes water to pool behind ice that is blocking the water’s path to the north. Proponents
of the Project are well-intentioned in their push to begin construction and quite properly
fear the impact of another severe flood.
And opponents quite properly fear
environmental degradation and significant loss of value of lands behind the proposed
dam.
But in the Court’s view, the law is clear: Congress has required that all necessary
state and local permits be obtained prior to construction. Congress clearly has the power
to exempt a project from state permitting requirements, but it has not done so. And the
State of Minnesota has not approved permits that are absolutely necessary for a project of
this magnitude along a major border waterway, a project which clearly impacts the waters
and lands of both North Dakota and Minnesota. The result in this case would be the same
if North Dakota was opposing a similar border project being proposed by Minnesota.
The presence of the Corps and the difficult jurisdictional complexities caused by the
unusual combination of federal and non-federal actors working together on the Project
does not change this basic fact. The Court strongly encourages all parties to work to
agree on a flood protection project that can serve the interests of both states and the
affected communities. It is time for all parties to work together to find common ground.
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ORDER
Based on the foregoing, and the records, files, and proceedings herein, IT IS
HEREBY ORDERED:
1.
Defendant-Intervenor
Fargo-Moorhead
Flood
Diversion
Board
of
Authority’s (the “Diversion Authority”) Motion to Dismiss [Docket No. 451] is
GRANTED. Count IV of Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Authority’s (“JPA”) Fourth
Amended Complaint [Docket No. 419] as applied to the Diversion Authority is
DISMISSED with prejudice.
2.
Defendant U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (the “Corps”) Motion to Dismiss
[Docket No. 445] is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part as follows:
a.
The motion is GRANTED with respect to Count I in JPA’s Fourth
Amended Complaint [Docket No. 419].
This claim is DISMISSED with
prejudice.
b.
3.
The motion is DENIED in all other respects.
Plaintiff JPA’s Motion for a Preliminary Injunction [Docket No. 412] and
Plaintiff-Intervenor Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (the “DNR’s”) Motion
for a Preliminary Injunction [Docket No. 425] are GRANTED. The Clerk shall enter
judgment on this motion.
a.
The Corps and the Diversion Authority and all other individuals or
entities acting in concert with the Corps and the Diversion Authority shall cease
and desist all construction work on the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management
Project (“Project”) until further order of the Court.
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b.
If portions of Project construction have no impact on Minnesota’s
waterways, the Court will consider requests to allow certain construction to go
forward.
c.
In accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(c), the preliminary injunction
shall become effective upon the DNR’s and JPA’s posting a bond with the Clerk
of Court in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for the payment of
such costs and damages as may be incurred or suffered by the Corps and the
Diversion Authority in the event the Corps and the Diversion Authority are found
to have been wrongfully enjoined.
4.
Plaintiff JPA’s Motion for Sanctions [Docket No. 505] is DENIED.
DATED: September 7, 2017
at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
_________s/John R. Tunheim_______
JOHN R. TUNHEIM
Chief Judge
United States District Court
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