Source: https://www.mondaq.com/, January 29, 2026
By: William O. Kessler, Beresford Both Lawyers

Property ownership can involve serious and unforeseen risks. Such is the case with environmental contamination from underground storage tanks and conflicts among co-owners. A recent Washington Court of Appeals case, Johnston v. Peach, illustrates these perils vividly. In this decision, co-owners of a commercial building in Bellingham faced costly soil pollution from leaking oil tanks left by previous owners. The leaking tanks lead to a decade-long cleanup, and a bitter disputes over expenses and profits. This post explores the dangers of underground storage tanks, including their potential for environmental harm and financial burdens, as well as the risks of co-ownership disputes that can arise when partners fail to share responsibilities fairly. By examining this case, landowners can better understand how such issues escalate into legal battles. Read more.