Pollution

May 2007

Pollution-liability claims are frequently brought against corporations and, in many instances, against their directors and officers as codefendants. Provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and other environmental laws may subject corporate directors and officers to strict personal liability. Federal prosecutors have been aggressively seeking indictments against high-ranking corporate executives, directors and officers believed to have knowledge of the corporation's pollution violations. Investigations may include undercover surveillance, employing personnel from various state and federal agencies.