This property has a documented history as a facility using PFAS-containing firefighting foam going back to 1942. 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 use and storage at this installation began in 1942 — more than four decades before 1986, when occurrence-based Commercial General Liability policies had no effective pollution exclusion and routinely covered releases from firefighting and fuel-handling operations. The PFAS contamination now confirmed across eight areas of the base traces directly to those pre-1986 training activities. Historical carriers whose policies were in force during the Firefighter Training Area's 1942–1967 operational window may still be obligated to fund the investigation and remediation costs the property now faces.

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.