ChemTech has examined and managed numerous accidents and accident investigations. We've also provided expert witness and trial testimony in a number of cases, such as : Case #1 - Defense Assistance for Industrial Natural Gas Theft ChemTech investigated allegations of a large scale theft of natural gas by a steel fabricating company. We performed a thorough review of all existing information, interviewed numerous plant personnel, performed several plant inspections, produced CAD piping system maps, and performed extensive computer-assisted gas usage analyses. This effort lead into extensive statistical analysis/correlation/hypothesis testing on more than 25 years of weather, gas use, production use, and company sales data. ChemTech prepared trial exhibits, piping diagrams, technical reports, financial data, and offered expert testimony at the jury trial. Substantial damage settlement analysis was prepared as well. Case #2 - Defense Assistance for Industrial Boiler Design Errors ChemTech investigated the claim of a major oil company against a leading industrial boiler design/manufacturer that the combustion design of an industrial waste burning boiler was inadequate to comply with air emission regulations. Wer reviewed the plaintiffs claims, inspected the facilities in question, as well as other comparable facilities, advised the defendants attorney of his findings, and testified to these matters at depositions and the trial. Case #3 - Defense Assistance for an Explosion of an Industrial Lumber Dry Kiln ChemTech investigated and testified at trial on the design defects that caused a large explosion that destroyed a new natural gas heated lumber dryer during the initial startup operations. The cause of the explosion was determined, and expert testimony prepared and presented in a jury trial. Allegations of improper design, engineering, and construction were made and successfully prosecuted against the builder. A major award was recommended to the facility owner by the jury. Case #4 - Defense Assistance for Contaminated Soil/Groundwater at a Wood Preserving Plant ChemTech investigated a groundwater pollution claim at a former wood preserving plant. The claim of soil and groundwater chemical contamination studied. Past data relating to facility layout, operation, and duration of use was analyzed. Meeting records and facility sale correspondence (external and internal) were reviewed. Expert testimony was successfully prepared and presented at depositions, and at a jury trial. Case #5 - Defense Assistance for Contaminated Groundwater/Cancer Death Claim at a Former Wood Preserving Plant ChemTech provided expert testimony relative to a wood preserving plant that was accused of improper operational practices that allegedly caused carcinogenic chemical contamination of groundwater aquifers supplying domestic water wells. Domestic use of this water was alleged to have caused a Leukemia death of a child. ChemTech reviewed and commented on the allegation, the facilities involved, the past operating practices, past construction practices, past wastewater lagoon details, and other physical site data. Expert testimony was given at depositions, and trial presentations were prepared. Settlement analysis was performed. Case #6 - Defense Assistance for a Chemical Plant Fire/Explosion/Environmental Contamination ChemTech president and CEO, Anthony Foster, investigated and assisted in the management and emergency response to a major liquid petroleum gas (LPG) plant fire and explosion. The LPG also contained toxic chemicals for wood preservation, which required an emergency technical response to safely extinguish the fire while minimizing human risk, minimize and then assess the environmental risks, and manage the postexplosion crisis. Mr. Foster was contacted 30 minutes after the initial explosion and asked to determine the safest, most practical way to manage the fire situation. Plant process diagrams were studied, and instructions given to plant personnel on which valves could be shut off to extinguish the fire. Emergency worker exposure concerns were addressed due to toxic chemicals and fumes. Experienced engineers were flown to the site to assist with the emergency response. Following the fire suppression efforts, additional technical management efforts involved directing such things as chemical decontamination planning, environmental regulatory efforts, and numerous notification efforts. Fire cause investigations pinpointed the initial cause, and the sequence of events that created the explosion. Engineering design modifications were created and implemented, to permit safe production to resume. Deficient supplier equipment designs were analyzed and opinions prepared for further litigation. Case #7 - Defense Assistance for Soil/Groundwater Contamination Litigation A major West Coast wood preserving plant contaminated large amounts of groundwater, and multiple aquifers from inadequate past operating, waste water treatment, and solid waste disposal practices. Numerous state and private litigation cases followed. ChemTech reviewed the plant operations; designed, engineered and built numerous plant environmental improvement systems; tested; and obtained permits for same. He also prepared and presented expert testimony before several jury trials and state hearing boards