This property has a documented history as a gasoline service station predating 1986. Historical insurance policies issued during operations at this property and through 1986 could help fund the ongoing cleanup and groundwater monitoring obligations that Wisconsin DNR continues to oversee.

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 Wisconsin — 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.

Underground storage tanks at this property were almost certainly installed and dispensing fuel well before 1986, with tank removals in 1991 and soil excavation confirming decades of petroleum operations consistent with pre-1986 activity. The ongoing groundwater investigation, monitoring, and remediation work required to address benzene levels exceeding Wisconsin NR 140 Preventive Action Limits and achieve WDNR LUST program closure represent future costs that historical pre-1986 carriers for the businesses that operated here may be obligated to fund.

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.