County Public Works Facility
When PCE threatened the local water supply, the County paid millions out-of-pocket to cover its share of cleanup costs.
Problem
The County operated a public works facility dating back to the 1950s. Historical activities included servicing fleet vehicles and cleaning equipment—processes that relied heavily on chlorinated solvents like perchloroethylene (PCE). The standard of care at the time was to push all of the fluids into a dry well at the center of the shop, regulations governing solvent disposal would not exist until 40 years later.
When PCE was discovered in local drinking water wells, the contamination had spread across several miles, impacting both public and private water supplies. Immediate investigation and remediation were required. The County entered into a Consent Decree with the Department of Ecology, committing to an expensive cleanup effort. Although a state grant covered 75% of costs, the County was responsible for their 25% match, which amounted to millions.
Solution
Ten years after the cleanup was complete, the County engaged Restorical to recover those out-of-pocket costs. The challenge? The County had never located its historical insurance policies.
Restorical implemented its Proven Process:
- Conducted deep insurance archaeology, uncovering 20+ years of primary and umbrella policies from viable carriers.
- Reconstructed past costs with forensic accounting to build a comprehensive claim package.
- Collaborated with the County’s legal counsel to ensure maximum recovery.
- Insurance funded the County’s 25% match contribution, saving the County millions.
Impact
Within four months, Restorical confirmed the County had a good-faith claim. Working alongside counsel, we recovered 100% of the County’s past costs for investigation, remediation, and monitoring—without litigation.
Key Results
- Recovered millions in cleanup costs
- Preserved all grant funding
- Achieved full regulatory compliance
- Protected local water supply for the community
Today, the water supply is safe, and the County’s financial burden has been eliminated—without jeopardizing any Grant funding.
If you’re a county or city facing contamination at a public works facility, Restorical has the expertise to locate historical insurance policies and oversee a successful cost recovery action.
