Larry Burke represents clients in citizen suits and in other matters related to RCRA, CERCLA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and California's Proposition 65. He brings technical experience to a range of cases, including those involving groundwater contamination, storm water runoff, subsidence, toxic torts, and insurance coverage disputes. Larry also assists major manufacturing and other facilities in air permitting and auditing, hazardous waste, Superfund and OSHA matters.
Larry's representative clients include: Chevron, Comcast and Washington County, Ore.
Representative Experience
Contribution litigation matters for various oil companies
Successful resolution of multiple cost recovery claims involving allegations under Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and federal law concerning the cleanup of hazardous substances. (Ongoing)
Environmental audit and insurance coverage for oil and chemical company
Assisting an oil and chemical company in its investigation of contamination and helping it obtain insurance coverage for solvent contamination where no coverage had been found by previous counsel. (Ongoing)
Environmental insurance coverage for Davis Auto Parts Distributor
Assisting auto parts distributor in obtaining insurance coverage for contamination and payment of cleanup-related expenses while supervising work toward 'No Further Action' determination from Oregon DEQ. (Ongoing)
Washington County v. Estate of Saleen et al.
Obtained recovery of over $1 million for Washington County in recovery actions and citizen suit against prior operators of landfill on county's property. 07-1549PK (2011)
Moore v. Cash Flow Investors, et al.
Obtained insurance coverage for past owner regarding contamination at service station and prevailed upon summary judgment and appeal in defense of lawsuit by current property owner seeking economic damages. CV03120245 (Or. Ct. App. 2010)
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Acquisition of regional medical center for Providence Health System
Represented Providence Health System, Southern California in its acquisition of Tarzana Regional Medical Center, a general acute care hospital located in Tarzana, Calif., from affiliates of Tenet Healthcare. This transaction was unusual in that the real estate was acquired from a ground lessor (which ground leased the hospital property to Tenet) and the hospital business from Tenet. (2008)
Environmental enforcement for Fortune 100 company
Assisted Fortune 100 company in responding to alleged violations and resolution of claims involving hazardous waste and air emissions, and water quality regulations. (2008)
Valeant Pharmaceuticals v. Hallock, et al.
Assisted pharmaceutical company in first ever recovery from State of Oregon for work performed under unilateral order. Client recovered $1.5 million from Oregon Hazardous Substances Fund. 06C11571 (2008)
Environmental litigation and insurance coverage for landlord
Assisted partnership in successfully settling claim with automobile dealer regarding effect of environmental provision in option agreement and then obtained insurance coverage for past environmental expenses that prior attorneys had not pursued. (2007)
American States Insurance Company v. Bercot, et al.
Response to claims of asbestos in homeowners' soil at former marine base developed by client. Successfully litigated to obtain insurance coverage and indemnity. 03-CV-637-CO (2006)
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Environmental litigation for major oil company
Assisted major oil company in successful resolution of multi-party litigation involving contamination at a former bulk fuel facility. (2006)
Nosack v. Weyerhaeuser Company, et al.
Successful defense of an engineering firm alleged to have contributed to release of hazardous air pollutants. (D. Or. 2001)
Air emissions suit for Fortune 100 company
Successful defense and settlement of a citizen suit seeking $25 million for alleged unpermitted air emissions. (D. Or. 2000)
Citizen suit for major oil company
Successful defense of a citizen suit involving petroleum contamination. (D. Or. 1996)
Environmental counsel
Advised client on response actions associated with spill of diesel fuel into a stormwater system including representation in negotiations with impacted property owners and in defense of an enforcement action by the Environmental Protection Agency.