In 2001, G-Logics was retained by a property developer to review reports regarding a former
service station located in Seattle, Washington. The reports were originally prepared for a
major oil company to document the excavation and removal of nine (9) underground storage
tanks, two hoists and an associated sump, a septic tank and drain field, 500 gallons of
sludge, and 300 cubic yards of gasoline-contaminated soils. Our client was interested in
purchasing the property, now unused, for future development as a dental office. Our client
had been told the site contamination issues had been addressed.

Based on the review of these reports, G-Logics
found that significant volumes of petroleum-
contaminated soils remained on the property. In
addition, soil and groundwater contamination by
chlorinated solvents remained on the property due
to an earlier on-site dry cleaning facility.
Furthermore, there was no indication that additional
remediation was planned by the oil company or by
other Potentially Liable Parties (previous site
owners/operators). In addition, the Washington State
Department of Ecology (Ecology) had not actively

participated in the cleanup work conducted at the site and a No Further Action (NFA) determination was never requested from Ecology.

Considering these issues, G-Logics informed our client that the site contamination could be addressed with a risk-based cleanup. We also informed him that the site could still be developed as a dental office, providing the risks associated with the remaining soil and groundwater contamination issues were managed with appropriate engineering and/or operational practices. These practices included the proper management of any soil/water excavated for site development purposes, no use of petroleum or solvent products on the property (or the strict management and documentation of their use and storage), and no use of the groundwater. Based on these outstanding issues and the possible risks, G-Logics also recommended that the client retain an environmental attorney before purchasing the property to clearly define legal issues regarding possession, maintenance, and financial responsibility for the existing contamination, current remedial activities, and future remediation of soils and groundwater. In addition to the identified contamination-related issues, previously excavated areas also would need to be monitored for proper soil compaction during construction to reduce settlement during or after construction.

Based on G-Logics' identification of outstanding contamination issues and the fact that the oil company would not contractually assume responsibility for remaining cleanup issues, our client decided not to purchase the property, but purchased another site nearby. This decision saved our client the extra site development costs and time associated with the management of the contamination and the continuing liability associated with remaining site contamination.