Read here about an investigation into leaking underground waste tanks that has been launched by an Oregon Senator.  

Source: Newark Patch, February 26, 2013 By: Paul Milo A deal has been proposed that would free Newark and dozens of other communities, corporations and government authorities from liability in a lawsuit over Passaic River contamination, The Star-Ledger reported Monday. The paper obtained a copy of the confidential proposal, which would allow the towns and […]

Source: http://www.lexology.com, February 22, 2013 By: Robert S. Sanoff, Foley Hoag LLP In some jurisdictions, an environmental claim under a liability policy with a “sudden and accidental” pollution exclusion has the same prospect of success as a due process claim under the strict scrutiny standard — strict in theory, fatal in practice. In Massachusetts, however, […]

Source: Risk Management, February 12, 2013 By: Anne E. Viner and David L. Rieser Vapor intrusion may soon become an important environmental concern for commercial property owners, buyers, developers and lenders. While this is not a new issue, burgeoning state regulations, upcoming federal guidance and new environmental auditing standards—if passed—may make vapor intrusion a critical […]

Source: BestWire Services, February 22, 2013 Posted on: http://fpn.advisen.com As contractors continue to rebuild properties damaged by Hurricane Sandy, insurers could see a spike in environmental claims stemming from mold, said Dan Gmelin, the head of the asbestos and environmental product line for Hiscox USA. “It’s still early to see mold claims surfacing, but the […]

Read here about a chemical spill into a Montana river that was diluted by water from another river.

Source: China Economic Information Service (Xinhua), February 21, 2013 Posted on: http://envfpn.advisen.com A company that supplies accessories for Apple was fined for intentionally discharging pollutants and damaging a river in Shanghai, environmental authorities said Thursday. RiTeng Computer Accessory Co., Ltd. was recently found to have dumped waste fluid into a drainage system, polluting a river […]

<span style="font-size:x-small;"Source: OsterDowJones Select, February 21, 2013 Posted on: http://envfpn.advisen.com For the first time, some Chinese companies in industries that pose serious risks to the environment are being required to take out insurance. China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection said Thursday that its pilot insurance plan is now mandatory for mining and smelting producers, lead-acid battery […]

Read here about proposed fracking regulations in Illinois that have been drafted by industry and environmentalists.

Source: MHN Online, February 8, 2013 By: Kevin Smith, Vice President & Real Estate Practice Group Leader, The Graham Company While most property owners are familiar with coverage for their portfolio of properties, there are some unique provisions and exposures inherent in property under construction, whether new or renovation of existing buildings. A properly structured […]

Source: http://news.yahoo.com, February 20, 2013 By: Kevin Murphy, Reuters A blast and fire that flattened a Kansas City restaurant, killing a young woman and injuring 15 others, apparently erupted an hour after a contractor installing cable nearby severed a natural gas line and caused a leak, officials said on Wednesday. The eatery, JJ’s restaurant, in […]

Source: http://www.lexology.com, February 15, 2013 By: David Erickson and Mark Anstoetter, Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP A federal court in California has dismissed the City of San Diego’s claims against the owner of a former petroleum depot. California v. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P., No. 07-cv-1883 (S.D. Cal. 1/25/13). Petroleum from the former depot operation […]