On May 13, the Sierra Club filed suit against Hyundai America Inc. in Federal Court in Eugene for violation of the Clean Water Act. "Hyundai has been violating the law" said Charlie Ogle, Vice Chair of the Sierra Club's Oregon Chapter. "The Department of Environmental Quality has cited and fined them, yet they continue to violate the law. This suit simply asks that Hyundai be compelled to obey the law."

Citizens for Public Accountability (CPA) and the Constitutional Law Foundation joined the suit as co-plaintiffs.  All plaintiffs are represented by the Western Environmental Law Center.

Hal Hushbeck, Director of the Constitutional Law Foundation, said, "The laws are not arbitrary: they reflect the public's expectation. All we are asking is that Hyundai, who came to town saying that they would obey the law and be a good neighbor, comply with the law."

"Hyundai has failed to take the actions necessary to control the pollution problems at its site", said Charlie Tebbutt of the Western Environmental Law Center. "Once again citizens have had to take the responsibility to compel a polluter to comply with the law."

Bern Johnson, of CPA, said "Hyundai intends to bring thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals into this community. The citizens of this community must ensure that Hyundai obeys the law and protects out air and water."

"So far Hyundai is only dealing with water and dirt and is having serious problems. If they can't be trusted to follow the law here, what can we expect if they are allowed to operate with toxic chemicals?" asked Mr. Ogle.

The suit relies on the "citizen suit" provision of the Federal Clean Water Act, which allows citizens or organizations representing the public interest to seek enforcement of the Clean Water Act. "The courts have the power to compel Hyundai to stop polluting the water that leaves their property" said Mr. Ogle, "We hope they will use that power."