Litigation Support Projects
Water Resources Litigation, New Mexico
INTERA personnel provided expert witness testimony for a water resource evaluation to determine potential impacts to neighboring interests caused by development of a coal mine in southern New Mexico. The evaluation included development of a geographical information system (GIS) to serve as a data integration tool and a three-dimensional groundwater flow model to help assess the extent of potential impacts to nearby wells and surface water features in the mine area. The GIS was also used to evaluate model output and develop presentation materials and exhibits. We also interfaced regularly with the project attorneys and assisted in the development of their water resources strategy.
Hydrocarbon Contamination, Midland, Texas
INTERA provided a technical evaluation, site characterization, remediation assessment, and litigation support concerning groundwater contamination by crude oil from a pipeline leak. We prepared an expert report and provided testimony in this case involving EOTT Energy Pipeline Limited Partnership v. Texas-New Mexico Pipeline Company; Cause No. CV-43296; 238th Judicial District, Midland County, Texas.
South Valley Superfund Site, New Mexico
INTERA provided technical and litigation support for a geologic/hydrogeologic evaluation of a Superfund site in New Mexico. Our efforts included an evaluation of groundwater resources, groundwater/surface water interaction, assessment of groundwater contamination by halogenated organics, evaluation of groundwater flow and contaminant transport models, and assessment of groundwater remediation approaches and costs. As part of our support, we prepared an expert report and provided deposition and hearing testimony in this case involving the State of New Mexico v. General Electric et al. in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.
TCE Contamination, California
INTERA personnel represented Cooper Biomedical in a case against Worthington Biomedical et al. over the origin of contamination of a former Cooper factory later used by Worthington and from which various plumes of TCE have migrated.
Gasoline Contamination from a Tank Farm, San Diego, California
INTERA provided technical advice to Judge Robert Altman during binding arbitration in a case between Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines (Kinder Morgan Inc.) vs. Equilon (Shell Oil Company). The case involved a dispute between a pipeline and a gasoline retailer over the origin of gasoline contamination from a large tank farm in San Diego. We also provided advice to the City of San Diego on the remediation of the gasoline pool.
Litigation of PCB-Contaminated Sites, Houston, Texas
INTERA personnel provided technical support regarding site investigation, remediation, and closure for two industrial sites affected by PCBs, and metals, one of which was closed under the Texas Superfund Program. Regulatory considerations included both TSCA and TRRP requirements. The Responsible Parties at one site have retained INTERA to perform Post Closure Care.
Arsenic Contamination of Soils and Groundwater, Texas
INTERA provided an independent technical evaluation of soil and groundwater arsenic contamination related to operation of arsenic-based pesticide plant. We also provided expert testimony on site-specific soils, geology, and arsenic contamination, as well as fate and transport of arsenic in the subsurface.
