Commonwealth v. Thompson

BACKGROUND

This action arises out of environmental contamination of a parcel of land owned by Arden T. Thompson (“Thompson”), now deceased. Thompson purchased a one-half acre parcel of land in 1972 and leased it to various manufacturing concerns. The land ultimately became contaminated with pollutants and infected a nearby stream with dangerous carcinogens. After investigation, the Commonwealth filed a complaint against Arden T. Thompson and others on July 12, 1996, seeking recovery of cleanup costs incurred in connection with the site at issue.

On August 6, 1996, while this litigation was…