This property has a documented history as a facility using PFAS-containing firefighting foam predating 1986. Historical insurance policies issued during those prior operations and through 1986 could fund a cleanup.

Why Historical Insurance Policies May Be Accessible

Pre-1986 Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies were occurrence-based and did not contain an effective pollution exclusion in Washington. If contamination occurred while those policies were active, those historical insurance carriers may still have a legal obligation to fund the cleanup costs, even if the business closed or the property changed hands.

AFFF was the standard fire suppression agent at U.S. military installations for decades prior to 1986 — the same period when occurrence-based Commercial General Liability policies lacked effective pollution exclusions and were routinely issued to government contractors and facility operators. The PFAS contamination at JBLM AOC9-2 is tied directly to those pre-1986 fire training operations, and the 2020 PA/SI represents only the opening phase of what PFAS remediation projects consistently require: years of investigation, design, and active cleanup expenditures. Historical carriers whose CGL policies covered base operations or associated contractors during that pre-1986 window may be obligated to fund the substantial costs that lie ahead.

Restorical's role is to locate viable historical policies, determine whether a successful coverage claim is possible, and assist our clients and their legal counsel to obtain insurance coverage. Restorical then manages the claim, including accounting, to ensure the cleanup is funded in a timely manner.