Claussen v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co.

Clarke, Presiding Justice.

In this case we are called upon to interpret the meaning of the “pollution exclusion” clause of a comprehensive general liability insurance policy. For the reasons stated below, we hold that the insurance policy at issue does not preclude coverage for liability for environmental contamination caused by the discharge of pollutants over an extended period of time.

Briefly stated, the history of the case is as follows1: Since 1966, Henry Claussen has owned, either individually or through corporate entities, fifty-two acres of land known as Picketville. In 1968, the City…