Environmental Forensics - Landfill
Prior to 1966, a 30 acre landfill site, located
in the midwest, was used for mining
sand and gravel. In 1966, the mining and excavation pit was
converted into a landfill, which operated until 1980. During this
time, the landfill received industrial waste primarily from the rubber
industries in the midwest. According to the Environmental Protection
Agency, an estimated 780,000 tons of solid waste and 1,000,000
gallons of liquid waste were disposed at the site and into an
evaporation lagoon constructed onsite.
Residents near the landfill sued the rubber
industries for loss of property values; they were seeking
$30,000,000. The rubber companies asked The Dragun Corporation for
help in assessing their environmental liability.
The Result: Our Expert Witness
Group evaluated the data from the site and the behavior and fate of
chemicals in soil, groundwater, and sediment. Our conclusion was
there was not a good technical basis for the claim against the
rubber companies. We later testified in court and our client paid
less than 2% of the sought after monetary compensation.
