Practical Environmental Forensics

A comprehensive practical guide to environmental forensics With real-world examples and advice on both scientific and legalissues, Practical Environmental Forensics stands on the front lineof this new interdisciplinary approach to the environmentallitigation process. Compiled by experts with decades of combinedexperience in teaching, research, consulting, and litigation, it isthe first book to offer a comprehensive presentation ofenvironmental forensics.The first section provides an introductionto the forensic process, a historical perspective on pollution, andrelated laws and insurance issues. The book continues with a reviewof the most commonly used technical approaches and methods employedto support forensic litigation case issues. A third section introduces essential environmental forensicsupport functions, including admissibility of evidence, expert casemanagement, and the use of mediation methods in settling cases.Finally, the book explores the environmental forensic processthrough an extensive body of real case studies in which the authorshave participated. This comprehensive guidebook includes: * Guidance in the development and presentation of forensicopinions within the litigation process * Stand-alone applications of historical research, groundwatercontaminant modeling, chemical fingerprinting, toxicology, and riskassessment to environmental litigation * Chemical and investigative forensic methods presented withinthe context of environmental forensic case histories * Illustrative problem-solving as an invaluable teaching andlearning resource * Typical forensic cases grouped to illustrate the three mainareas of environmental litigation: minimizing damages to clients,allocating damages between responsible parties, and resolution ofinsurance-related issues For engineers, scientists, attorneys, government regulators,financial and real estate professionals, and the broad spectrum ofenvironmental consultants, this book is critical for all whose workinvolves environmental contamination.