THIS CIVIL LITIGATION REFERRAL REQUESTS THE INITIATION OF A CIVIL ACTION UNDER SECTION 104(E) OF CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. SECTION 9604(E). ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1986, FRANCIS BLOCK, IN CARE OF A & B DRUM CO, RECEIVED AN AUTHORIZED REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM EPA CONCERNING THE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AT THE EWAN PROPERTY SITE IN SHAMONG TWP, NJ. HE ALSO RECEIVE 2 FOLLOW- UP LETTERS. MR. BLOCK NEVER RESPONDED TO THESE LETTERS AND DID NOT PROVIDE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION. ON DECEMBER 10, 1986, A & B DRUM CO., RECEIVED THE SAME. A & B DRUM COMPANY NEVER RESPONDED TO THESE LETTERS AND DID NOT PROVIDE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION. EPA SEEKS AN ORDER UNDER SECTION 104(E)(5) OF CERCLA, RE- QUIRING THE DEFENDANTS TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BY EPA. IT ALSO SEEKS PENALTIES FOR THE DEFENDANTS' FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 104(E)(1) AND (2). SIGNIFICANT NATIONAL ISSUES: EPA HAS BEGUN A NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE TO ENFORCE ITS REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 104(E) OF CERCLA. WE HAVE PROVIDED A GROUP OF CASES TO BEGIN REGION II'S EFFORT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS INITIA- TIVE AND VINDICATE EPA'S AUTHORITY TO OBTAIN INFORMATION NEEDED TO CLEAN UP THE SUPERFUND SITES. *