Truly excellent. Well thought out. Well written. Major sections by Dr. Simons with important essays from other experts.
To do waterproofing repairs behind my oil tank, I paid my oil company to move my oil tank, and--in a series of mistakes--three days later
an employee of that same oil company delivered 244 gallons of oil that made my house a toxic oil dump. {Oil traveled 16 to 18 feet down
BELOW my basement floor. To remove it, specialized contractors had to dig it all out in a process requiring frequent testing, building sub-
basement walls, and sub-basement supports. A total of 450 cubic yards of material was removed from my property.) In the nine month
process of remediation, I have learned that many others suffer similar problems, but there is a dearth of relevant info. Understandably,
victims need to consider legal recourse in the face of this crisis--and the book presents many dimensions of legal issues from many points
of view. However, even people who rarely think about legal recourse SHOULD think about how toxic spills in--or near--their homes may
impact their real estate. And this book could be a critical prod to thinking about both legal issues and real estate evaluation.
Very importantly,the book separates "the stigma" of toxicity from the issue of remediation. B/c it has been nine months since the oil spill in
my home, I have talked with a broad range of people about "stigma" and remediation. Most are aware that a home with a past history of an oil
spill would be difficult to sell; only a few start with the assumption that remediation resolves issues of sale. This book clarifies the problem:
"stigma" is a "post-remediation" concept: it is what persists after toxic chemicals have been "remediated" to relevant standards. (And standards
do vary enormously, a fact not mentioned in the book.) As I have said to many: "Where would you rather invest your life's savings: At a home in
'Love's Canal' or 'Pleasant Valley?'" I usually get a chuckle, but all have understood the point.
I have read every word of Simon's book--and re-read many sections. To be sure, not all sections are directly applicable to my crisis; however, by reading
all very closely, I have gained much insight into both the unique aspects of my toxic spill as well as its common denominators and divergences
from other toxic invasions. An essential read for anyone facing any dimension of a toxic spill.
Finally, I would make a pitch to legislators (and people interested in legislation.) No one thinks that toxic spills will happen on their property, yet
the reality is that we all are dealing with risks as we use any form of energy at home. The risks are widespread to the public at large, but are neither
understood nor often covered at all by home owner's insurance. Just one toxic spill can devastate anyone's life and finances. There ought to be a
fairer way of addressing the legal and financial implications of toxic spills for the rare citizen who--by the random hazards of life-- "pulls the short
straw" of a toxic spill.
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