An environmental remediation contractor excavating a small diesel UST near a distribution warehouse noted stained soil surrounding the tank. On the advice of the project manager, the firm continued to excavate around the tank, removing the stained soil. Due to the proximity of the foundation, when the contractor continued to excavate the stained soil without proper shoring equipment, the building’s wall collapsed, caving in the walls and roof of the entire distribution center. When the claim was finally settled for over $1.2 million, the damages were broken down per the following:

• $450,000 in reconstruction costs
• $565,000 in business interruption/lost profits
• $185,000 in additional remediation expenses due to soil contamination spreading after collapse