UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK CLAIMSWhat to Do and What to Expect When You Have a Pollution Spill?Owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) encountering their first petroleum or chemical release face many technical and regulatory questions unlike any home or auto claim. This reference is designed to familiarize you with basic steps you can take to respond and the Crum & Forster’s claims investigation process. Please note that regulatory requirements vary locally and state by state and it is your responsibility to know your local, state and federal regulatory reporting requirements and report and respond to releases.

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STEP 1: STOP AND CONTAIN THE RELEASE IF POSSIBLE. CALL CRUM & FORSTER’s SPILL REPORTING PROGRAM FOR IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE ASSISTANCE AT 1-855-942-2325

Stopping a surface spill immediately can dramatically reduce the cost and length of a cleanup. If possible and safe, stop further contamination and contain released product in a localized area away from unpaved ground, cracked pavement, and nearby storm drains or waterbodies. In situations where the leak is underground, transferring any remaining product from a known leaking UST to another registered and non-leaking storage tank can limit additional soil and groundwater contamination and dramatically reduce the time and cost of cleanup. Call our 24/7 toll-free number 1-855-942-2325 to get contact information for local emergency response vendors and contractors that can respond quickly to contain the spill and address your emergency response needs.

STEP 2: REPORT THE RELEASE TO REGULATORS WITHIN 24 HOURS Most states require that the owner/operator report releases to all local, state and federal regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the release as soon as possible and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after discovery of the release. Delays in reporting can lead to regulatory fines and penalties.

What if you don’t know which agencies need to be notified? Crum & Forster’s Spill Control Program can do this for you upon request. Call the Spill Control Program at 1-855-942-2325 and let them know you want them to report the release on your behalf.

STEP 3: REPORT THE CLAIM IN WRITING TO CRUM & FORSTER When it comes to pollution claims, time is of the essence. If you believe your spill may be covered under a Crum & Forster policy, immediately report the claim in writing through your agent or directly to Crum & Forster at CrumandForsternol@cfins.com. Please note that calling the Spill Control Program does not constitute notice of claim to Crum & Forster. You must submit notice of claim in writing to Crum & Forster according to the notice provisions of your policy. Please forward the following information to facilitate our claim investigation:

1. Name of Insured Company

2. Policy information (policy number and effective policy period)

3. Full address of the spill location

4. Full name, email address and cell phone number of the best contact(s) for the Insured at the spill location

5. If caused by third party, obtain valid contact and insurance information

6. Site photographs

7. Any regulatory agency correspondence, i.e., discharge notification form or reportable quantity notice

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RISK ENGINEERINGContact Information Reporting Claims or Loss24-hour toll free number:

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STEP 4: CONTACT AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE REMEDIATION STRATEGY

If the spill does spread and contaminate soil or groundwater, you may need to take additional remedial action beyond emergency response to fully clean up the property. It is recommended to hire an environmental professional to investigate contaminated areas and determine if further action is required. Notify Crum & Forster prior to retaining any environmental professional services or contractors. If further action is required, that same environmental professional can design and implement the most cost-effective cleanup strategy based on the type and levels of contamination at your site.

Taking the right steps in the first hours after a release can make all the difference between a quick and inexpensive cleanup and a long and costly ordeal. For further information, Crum & Forster’s Spill Response Center and in-house team of environmental claim adjusters is ready to assist you with your spill response needs.

This material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation under a policy issued by one of the companies within Crum & Forster. All conditions of coverage, terms, and limitations are defined and provided for in the policy. This material was developed as a general guide to safety from sources believed to be reliable and is not intended to provide legal, technical or other professional advice. These materials are not intended to replace any training or education that users may wish or need to provide to their personnel. Crum & Forster does not endorse any of the vendors listed in this publication, nor does it endorse the information, products or services that they offer or provide. Compliance with all Federal, State or local laws and regulations remain the policyholder’s responsibility.

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