LIMITING ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY EXPOSURES

摘要

Recyclers face exposure to pollution or environmental liability claims in their operations, in large part because a pollutant can be almost anything that escapes or is released in sufficient quantity. Most exposures appear in four principal areas: Premises and operations. Most business operations have some form of pollution or environmental impairment exposure. In recycling facilities, the cutting oil in a bin of turnings, hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, motor oil, and runoff from scrap metal could be considered pollutants if released in a great enough volume and concentration to impair an adjoining property, nearby waterway, or underground water supply. The impairment could result from a sudden, accidental event, or it could take place over time. A company could be held liable for similar pollution or environmental impairment in off-site operations, such as where it's processing scrap with mobile equipment. Impervious surfaces, runoff water channels, water collection devices with skimmers, and on-site containment berms can help mitigate or control the exposures, but you also can limit your potential liability with insurance. Products. Recycling firms have product liability exposures in the processed scrap they sell.