Old Factory’s 35-year Case Problem, Riverside, California

The Problem: A 400,000 square-foot old factory slowly over a 35 year period paid for a protracted investigation. There was an alleged groundwater impact problem and an alleged asbestos problem. The property was put into receivership on behalf of a Swiss bank. The receiver wanted to demolish the factory to save on property taxes, but the stalled agency case and asbestos claim prevented this strategy. The bank receiver called us for a second opinion.

Our Solution: Our team solved the groundwater problem by reading boxes of historical case reports. We assembled the groundwater data into comprehensive tables.  We also modelled the groundwater data in charts to prove that the contamination compounds decreased to groundwater quality standards. We assessed and reported on our findings to the oversight agency. The agency granted case closure quickly.

We solved the alleged asbestos problem by inspecting the vacant factory. White “asbestos” dust appeared dangerous as it was everywhere inside this factory. We sampled and tested the dust and clarifier sludge. It was not asbestos; it was dried wax. Our team reported the findings to the bank-appointed receiver. The factory was cleared of the asbestos claim and could now be safely demolished.

The Benefit: The case and asbestos claim were closed within two short months. This relieved the owners of liability and provided financial benefit.  The asbestos clearance approval enabled the factory to be demolished, resulting in property tax relief.