Oil Spills

Asbestos

Mold

Phase I, II, and III
Environmental Audits

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Early Response by an Environmental Consultant
Produces Large Cost Benefits.

• Avoids initial quick contractor expense.
• Contractor is evaluated.
• Subsurface investigation provides data up front.
• Direction is given to contractor. No costly mistakes.
• Consultant takes control. No excess men on site. No unnecessary digging.
• Early negotiation with regulatory agency. Most cost effective agreement.
• Early accessibility to evidence (Documentation, Photographs, etc.) increases ability to subrogate.

Fraudulent or Exaggerated Claims

The abuses that we outline occur within the contest of a loss. These are mostly eliminated by the presence of an on site environmental consultant. The following are typically abused

• Replace contents
• Replace structures, walls, etc.
• Jack up house
• Replace house
• Shrubs, trees, driveways, etc
• Dishonest contractors – simulated groundwater involvement – excessive charges
• Extended hotel stays with accompanying expenses

Red Flags for Underwriters

This is a partial list indicating a direction to take to reduce indemnity costs. These are suggestions for inclosing in a form or as part of an inspection.

• Do they presently heat with oil? If so, has the tank been tested recently?
• Did they ever heat with oil?
• If they did and don’t now, what was the disposition of the tank?
• Were there ever any spills on the property?
• If so, what was the disposition of the spill?
• Have there been any spills nearby?
• Is or was a tank policy in place?
• Are there any engineer’s reports or documents from the purchase available?
• Is there any visible evidence of a spill inside or outside?
• Evidence of mold inside?

Our data, based on years of experience with environmental claims indicates that there is an increase in indemnity cost of at least 50% when consultant oversight is late or non-existent. Obviously, the later the consultant involvement, the greater will be the indemnity cost. This evaluation includes the consulting fees.