Rio Court Eminent Domain

WSP USA provided litigation support regarding magnitude and extent of contamination for property valuation at a former Superfund National Priorities Listing (NPL) site.

Location

Denver, Colorado, USA

Client

Regional Transportation District (RTD)

Project Value

$2.3M for litigation support and subsequent remediation costs for the site

Project Status

Completed, 2014

The property, which our client was purchasing under Eminent Domain authority for redevelopment, was strategically located for a commercial rail rerouting project that would allow for the client’s multi-billion-dollar transportation system to continue as designed.

After a client obtained a large plot of land, questions arose around exactly how contaminated the property was due to its decade-long use as a solvent storage and distribution center. A resulting lawsuit focused on differences in property value based on site conditions. WSP provided expert witness testimony regarding time and costs to remediate contamination.

The property in question, which had been proposed as a NPL site, had complex valuation considerations. We were able to support litigation activities and demonstrate the extent of impact; the time and costs needed to remediate the contamination, and the final suitability of the land for reuse protective of human health and the environment.

After a year-long engagement, the expert testimony and advocacy provided by WSP helped our client obtain a significant victory in determining the actual value of the site.