This property has a documented history as a public works and maintenance facility predating 1986. Historical insurance policies issued during operations at this property and through 1986 could help fund the ongoing and future cleanup under Oregon DEQ oversight.

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 Oregon — and those policies may provide coverage that remains enforceable today. 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.

The contamination the District encounters in these waterways originated from decades of industrial activity along the Columbia Slough corridor, well before 1986. The ongoing and future costs of handling contaminated sediment under Oregon DEQ oversight — including dredging, characterization, disposal, and environmental monitoring across the Columbia Slough, Salmon Creek, and Arata Creek systems — represent substantial obligations that historical pre-1986 carriers may be required to fund going forward.

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.