Source: http://www.agentsofamerica.org By: Michael Zigelman, Esq. and Kirsten Ennis, Esq. of Kaufman Dolowich Voluck & Gonzo LLP Although New York City real estate landlords and co-op and condo board members typically do not inhabit the properties they own and manage, a recent First Department decision gives them reason to fear the impact of mold infestation. After […]

Source: XL Group Insurance, Construction Insider By: Laura Wagner, Vice President Construction Practice Construction activities pose a variety of environmental risks. Construction equipment and materials brought to the jobsite, including fuels, solvents, adhesives, concrete, paint, pesticides, sealers, thinners, and waterproofing agents, all have the potential for environmental impact if mishandled or stored improperly. Water intrusion […]

Source: XL Group Insurance, Construction Insider By: Cathy Cleary, Esq., AIC, RPLU, CRIS, Executive Underwriter, Environmental They say a fine wine gets better with age–a claim however does not. Most insurance policies require the insured contractor to provide their insurance carrier with notice of a claim made against that carrier “immediately”,” promptly” or “as soon […]

A contractor renovated the interior of a residential house built in the 1950s. The renovation involved paint removal from interior walls, window trim and door jambs. During the course of renovation, the contractor used a plastic barrier to seal the areas he was working in. The homeowners continued to occupy the house during renovations. Additionally, […]

Read here about a popular candy maker who has agreed to a nearly $600,000 settlement in Clean Water Act Violations.

Read here about a Pennsylvania builder who was fined over $700,000 for pollution.

Source: Canadian Underwriter, June 20, 2012 The percentage of clients buying environmental insurance has increased in recent years, although there has been a parallel decrease in the amount of limits purchased, a recent report from Marsh Inc. indicates. “With increasing frequency, companies are requiring their contractors to carry environmental insurance — regardless of the contractor’s […]

Source: Insurance Journal, June 11, 2012 Colony Specialty, a member of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., is now offering business auto coverage in conjunction with its general liability and pollution coverages through their environmental division. The admitted product targets operations including: the fleets of environmental contractors and consultants, environmental facilities, restoration contractors, and environmental products […]

Source: National Law Review, June 11, 2012 By Alice Su, Center for Public Integrity The EPA issues a $1 million fine against a global plastics producer for alleged Clean Air Act violations in Alabama and Indiana. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a $1 million fine against a global plastics producer for alleged Clean Air […]

Read here about how a construction worker was killed and another was injured in an accident in a tunnel that was under construction.

Source: Construction Executive, June 2012 By: Kenneth Cobleigh Meeting Expectations and Managing Risks Sustainable design and construction is a rapidly evolving area for owners, architects, contractors, and others involved in the design and construction industry. This year, the International Code Council released its International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and the Green Building Certification Institute is […]

Source: http://www.lexology.com, June 6, 2012 By: Susan P. Phillips and Katy E. Ward, Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC For properties where chlorinated solvents have been released, new regulatory challenges and related liability concerns are increasing as a result of controversial human health studies recently published by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The […]