Underground storage tanks (or “USTs”) have historically been used to house heating oil, gasoline, kerosene, and other materials beneath the surface of residential, commercial and industrial properties. While USTs offer a convenient form of storage, if they are damaged or become corroded, the contents of the UST may leak into the surrounding soil or groundwater. Leaking underground storage tanks often require a legal, as well as an environmental response.
The environmental lawyers at Lieberman Blecher & Sinkevich have long represented landowners, business owners and operators, and others who discover leaks from underground storage tanks. When responding to a leaking UST, it is important to understand your responsibilities to the environment and neighboring landowners and residents. While some UST matters may involve little in the way of environmental response, others can be quite complex and involve multiple parties and stakeholders. The scope of our representation in these matters often includes pursuing various forms of legal relief and negotiating with insurance companies, other responsible parties and government entities in order to obtain funding for environmental cleanup, remediation and restoration. Other potential liabilities, including the possibility of personal injury claims relating to impacted water or vapor intrusion must also be analyzed. Given the breadth of Lieberman Blecher & Sinkevich’s environmental and litigation experience, our attorneys are able to assist clients in understanding the potential liabilities and planning the appropriate remedial response to underground storage tank leaks.
For more information about our representation in leaking underground storage tank matters, please consult the following resources, or contact our office to speak with one of our attorneys:
● Read about cleaning up contaminated sites
● Watch a video presentation about responding to leaking underground storage tanks
● Learn more about paying for leaking underground storage tank cleanups