Semiconductor Maker Beats Hazardous Waste Claims Over Cobalt

Quantum Labs Inc. can’t proceed with Superfund claims against Maxim Integrated Products Inc. because it didn’t allege a release or threatened release of any hazardous substance to the environment, the Northern District of California said.

Quantum alleged only that Maxim—a semiconductor manufacturer to which it rented lab space—released cobalt on Quantum’s property, the court said.

It also failed to show that it incurred “response costs” as defined by the Superfund law, the court said.

The court dismissed Quantum’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act claim as well, because the company didn’t show an “imminent and substantial endangerment to health or the ...