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Class Action and Toxic Tort Case:
Examining Soil and Water Contamination
Confidential Client / Multiple Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

Working for a potentially responsible party in a class action soil contamination case centering on property damages and health risks, we provided extensive data management, GIS-based analysis, mapping, and reporting services. The resulting maps and reports provided a powerful visualization of contaminant locations and distribution relative to key facts of the case including the environmental backdrop and history of the area in question in the lawsuit.

Developing an accurate GIS database of the area, chain-of-custody data was researched for more than 3000 soil samples analyzed by various laboratories for concentrations of harmful heavy metals. Additional map feature data was identified and incorporated including streets, parcel, zoning, and other land data; streams and water features; air photos, industrial maps and site plans; regional environmental conditions including soil, water, and air quality data; and data relating to the class claims, potential class boundaries, and plaintiffs’ residential locations.

Additional analysis was conducted to compare, contrast, and illustrate key relationships between environmental conditions, contaminant concentrations, and spatial variations compared to claimed damages; claimant locations and proposed class boundaries; and the industrial site and operating histories of multiple potentially responsible parties. GIS was used to develop a number of map products illustrating changing conditions, and relationships, through time, based on alternate views of the data. The resultant maps and technical data were designated as courtroom exhibits and were used frequently in support of expert testimony.