VERTEX was initially retained to conduct a forensic investigation at the site, located on a remote island in Southeast Alaska. As the site was a historical aboveground storage tank (AST) facility constructed more than 50 years prior to our involvement, it was paramount to determine whether observed contamination was related to historical releases of petroleum, which were known to have occurred, or the subject loss. Our initial investigation included collection of soil and petroleum product samples for forensic fingerprint analysis, which confirmed that at least a portion of on-site contamination was associated with the covered loss, a recent release of gasoline from the AST system.
VERTEX conducted several subsequent site visits, including oversight of AST system removal and collection of further soil characterization samples following discovery of contamination underneath the ASTs. As the project progressed, VERTEX evaluated third-party technical reports which delineated the extent of contamination associated with the claim versus pre-existing, unrelated petroleum impacts; and negotiated with the Insured’s environmental consultant on the planned contaminated soil removal to avoid use of policy funds for remediation of unrelated environmental impacts. During the remedial excavation phase of this project, VERTEX mobilized to the site on several occasions to confirm that excavation was occurring only within the agreed-upon limits and to ensure contractors were operating in a safe and efficient manner. As a result of our technical evaluations and project oversight, VERTEX disputed approximately $250,000 of the approximately $900,000 in proposed and incurred costs. Additionally, VERTEX’s first-hand understanding of this geologically and logistically complex site and experience with remote Alaskan remedial projects proved invaluable to evaluation of remedial strategies, negotiations with contractors, and general project oversight.
VERTEX has a dedicated team of experts specializing in forensic environmental investigations and remediation.
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