THIS REFERRAL REQUESTS INITIATION OF AN ACTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 107A OF CERCLA AGAINST PRESENT AND PAST OWNERS FOR RECOVERY OF RESPONSE COSTS INCURRED BY EPA IN CONJUNCTION WITH PARISH CHEMICAL CO. THE SITE IS AN ACTIVE CHEMICAL PRODUCTION FACILITY. EPA COST RECOVERY EFFORTS BEGAN ON 10/5/94. SINCE THEN, SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS AS OF THIS DATE, AND PARISH HAS DECLINED TO PAY ANYTHING BASED ON ITS CON- TENTION THAT EPA'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE RESPONSE TO THE FIRE AT PARISH WAS UNNECESSARY AND THAT IT MAY HAVE A THIRD- PARTY DEFENSE UNDER SECTION 107BC OF CERCLA, PREMISED ON PARISH'S ASSERTION THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY ARSON. EPA SEEKS APPROXIMATELY $150,000 IN COST RECOVERY ACTIONS.