This property has a documented history as an industrial and manufacturing facility going back to 1947. Historical insurance policies issued during those prior operations 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 at this property originated from lumber mill operations that began in approximately 1947 and continued for nearly four decades before 1986, generating hazardous substances now confirmed in both soil and groundwater across the site. The ongoing obligations under the Contaminated Media Management Plan — including soil and groundwater management, DEQ notification requirements, periodic plan reviews, and any future investigation or remediation Oregon DEQ may direct — represent substantial current and future costs that historical pre-1986 carriers may be obligated 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.