Publications
Publications
- 2008
DEC v. Riverside
By: David A. Lax, James K. Sebenius, Lawrence Susskind and Thomas Weeks
Abstract
Riverside Lumber is a pulp manufacturer in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Riverside regularly dumps effluent into a nearby river. The Division of Environmental Conservation (DEC) claims that the effluent is toxic and jeopardizes the local salmon catch. Relations between the two parties have deteriorated. DEC has filed suit against Riverside in an attempt to close the plant. The trial date is three days away, and the parties are meeting to see if a last minute settlement is possible. Several issues will surface in the negotiation: Should Riverside be forced to purchase a special scrubber to neutralize the toxic effects of its effluent? Should Riverside be forced to close temporarily or permanently? Can DEC provide Riverside financial incentives to encourage cooperation?
Keywords
Competition; Conflict Management; Cooperation; Courts and Trials; Decision Choices and Conditions; Natural Environment; Negotiation; Pulp and Paper Industry; Northwestern United States
Citation
Lax, David A., James K. Sebenius, Lawrence Susskind, and Thomas Weeks. "DEC v. Riverside." Simulation and Teaching Note. Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, 2008.