Soil Chemistry Expert Witness Comments on Source of PCB Contamination

Case Overview

This case involves the widespread contamination of the environment, residential and commercial buildings, and various public areas by polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB in a township in Maine. This contamination comes from a number of sources, including a number of industrial operations located on the periphery of the affected township. An analysis of the organic chemistry in the township soil revealed widespread PCB contamination, however the companies that operate the industrial plants had denied that they were responsible, despite the fact that there were almost no other possible sources of the PCBs that were found in the soil.

Questions to the Chemistry expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your knowledge of PCBs and the PCB Life Cycle?

I have worked on several PCB projects including the contamination of a major river, where I specified the protocols used to collect and analyze the samples. I am very familiar with the historical testing methods for PCBs used in the mid 20th century from hands-on experience. I can determine the earliest time period the chemical could have been used. I have several publications that address PCBs. I am very familiar with the proliferation of PCBs in the environment, including how they spread and bio-accumulate, the collection and analysis of PCBs and their human and environmental toxicity. I have personally investigated several major PCB contaminated sites and have served as an expert in a number of cases involving PCBs.

Are you familiar with the dangers that PCBs may present and how this danger could be mitigated?

PCBs are often released by large industrial operations, and it is certainly possible to determine which company may have been responsible in this instance.

About the expert

This expert holds a doctorate in chemistry and has over 40 years of experience working for chemical corporations and consulting. He has investigated more than a hundred toxic chemicals incidents and given testimony in numerous toxic tort cases. The content of his testimonies include CPSC, OSHA, FDA, EPA and DOT compliance issues; adequacy of warning labels and Material Safety Data Sheets; chemical reactivity both systemically and in the environment, food contamination; and allocation of environmental impact effects.

E-004804

Specialties:

Chemistry