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1 Notice of Deposition, it's the Third Amended 1 Q. And what was the first job you took?
2 Notice of Deposition, which is piece of paper 2 A. I took a job with the Corps of
3 that tells everybody that we're asking you to 3 Engineers as a civil engineer.
4 be here today and testify. We'll put that into 4 Q. Let me ask you, because I've not ever
5 the record. 5 taken an engineering class, what qualifies you
6 Mr. Montegut, let me ask you first 6 with a BS in engineering with a mechanical
7 just for some background information. From 7 option to qualify for a job as a civil
8 where are you from; where were you born and 8 engineer? Had you taken sufficient classes to
9 raised? 9 get your BS in engineering to qualify as a
10 (Plaintiff's Exhibit 1 was marked for 10 civil engineer job title?
11 identification and is attached hereto.) 11 A. Part of the engineering curriculum
12 A. Born and raised in New Orleans. 12 that I took had certain civil engineering
13 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 13 courses, like soil mechanics, things like that,
14 Q. Okay. Where did you go to high 14 dynamics, statics, those type of courses that
15 school? 15 are typically found in a civil engineering
16 A. Brother Martin. 16 curriculum. Apparently when I applied the
17 Q. What year did you graduate? 17 Corps of Engineers determined that that was
18 A. 1970. 18 sufficient qualifications to be hired as a
19 Q. After Brother Martin, did you continue 19 civil engineer. And of course I've been
20 with your education? 20 there -- well, until I retired I was there for
21 A. Yes. I attended University of -- 21 thirty some odd years, so I would like to think
22 well, at the time it was LSUNO, but now it's 22 that they thought it was sufficient
23 the University of New Orleans. UNO. 23 qualifications.
24 Q. Okay. And how far did you progress in 24 Q. I understand. When you entered the
25 your education? 25 Corps in 1974 as a civil engineer, was there a
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1 A. I got a Bachelor's of science degree 1 particular branch that you were assigned to?
2 in engineering. 2 A. Actually, you know, we need to back up
3 Q. At the time, when you get a BS in 3 maybe just a little bit, because my career at
4 engineering was there any focus or specialty 4 the Corps started prior to my graduation as an
5 within the engineering field that you were 5 engineer.
6 achieving? 6 Q. Okay.
7 A. At that time, at UNO, there wasn't a 7 A. For about a year and a half prior to
8 civil, mechanical, electrical designation, they 8 my graduation I was working as a student for
9 had what was referred to at that time at UNO as 9 the Corps of Engineers.
10 an option. And I graduated with a mechanical 10 Q. Okay.
11 engineering option. You know, I haven't looked 11 A. And so really, when I graduated it was
12 at my diploma in a thousand years, but if you 12 more of just a rollover from a student position
13 would read the diploma, it says, bachelor of 13 into a civil engineering position. So when I
14 science in engineering with a mechanical 14 actually started at the Corps of Engineers I
15 option. 15 was working as a student in their engineering
16 Q. Okay. Did you take any formal 16 division, what they called back then the
17 education after achieving your BS in 17 engineering systems and programming branch
18 engineering? 18 where we wrote a lot of computer programs to do
19 A. No, I did not. 19 engineering type calculations.
20 Q. And what year did you receive that 20 Q. And so while you were at the civil
21 Bachelor of Science? 21 engineer student program function, you were
22 A. 1974 or '5. 22 actually doing engineering calculations and
23 Q. Upon graduating from LSUNO, did you 23 things of that nature?
24 enter the workforce? 24 A. Yeah. Working more with what was
25 A. Yes. 25 referred to as a technician, doing more
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1 technical type work, doing, um -- you know, 1 section that did the computations to determine
2 being assigned work by an engineer to do 2 the pay quantities. As you probably know,
3 certain calculations, computations and work on 3 typical Corps contracts are based, are let to
4 drawings, things like that. 4 contractors and they're paid usually by unit
5 Q. When you became a full-time employee 5 priced items, and typically in dirt work like
6 with the Corps, did your job responsibilities 6 levees or dredging, they're paid by the cubic
7 change and, if so, how so? 7 yard. It's called a firm fixed price contract.
8 A. To some degree. Switching from maybe 8 In order to make payment to those contractors
9 analyzing computer data at the time to when I 9 as they complete the work and as they progress
10 became an engineer to actually writing computer 10 through it, they have surveyors that go out and
11 programs to perform certain calculations. 11 survey cross-sections of the whatever, the
12 Q. And what would have been your title at 12 levee or the channel, and the computations
13 that time? Civil engineer? 13 determine the cubic yardage. So we worked
14 A. Yeah. Civil engineer. 14 in -- I worked in the section that did those
15 Q. And how long did you stay in the 15 computations.
16 position of civil engineer? 16 Q. And how long did you remain in that
17 A. Until my retirement. 17 job capacity?
18 Q. The job position that you were in 18 A. Probably I'm going to say until about
19 originally in 1974 upon taking a full-time 19 1992, so about fifteen years, roughly. '78 to
20 employment, how long did you stay within that 20 '92; fourteen, fifteen years.
21 job function? Roughly. 21 Q. Was there, during this time period up
22 A. Yeah. 22 until 1982, where the construction division in
23 Q. We're going to move pretty quickly 23 essence loaned you out to a division such that
24 through this. 24 you were doing work on levees in other areas
25 A. Four or five years, yeah. 25 outside of New Orleans region?
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1 project out in Slidell which was a hazardous 1 be performed at Bayou Bonfouca to clean up
2 waste cleanup project. 2 Southern Ship, which was another site that
3 Q. Did that involve dredging or was that 3 during the course of the original Bayou
4 just a soil remediation? 4 Bonfouca project they discovered additional
5 A. It involved both. 5 creosote further down the bayou and the EPA got
6 Q. And that was the creosote plant they 6 with the Corps and they decided to clean that
7 had up there? 7 site up, as well. And that particular site was
8 A. That's correct. 8 accomplished with a TERC contract. IT
9 MR. LEVINE: 9 Corporation had a contract with Tulsa District,
10 What plant? 10 a TERC contract with Tulsa District.
11 MR. JOANEN: 11 Q. Were you engaged with the work at
12 Creosote. The junk they put on 12 Southern Ship pursuant to the TERC?
13 the telephone poles so the termites 13 A. Yes.
14 don't eat it. 14 Q. Is that the first time you became
15 A. The coating of a timber piling, a wood 15 familiar with the processes of the TERC?
16 preservative. It's a black wood preservative. 16 A. Yes.
17 You know, telephone poles, mother nature 17 Q. To your understanding, are there
18 doesn't make them black. 18 different reporting requirements, in your
19 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 19 involvement, regarding pay and things of that
20 Q. How long were you with that project? 20 nature with the TERC as opposed to other
21 A. Until its completion. I want to say 21 contracts which you had said were firm fixed
22 like 1999, somewhere up around in there. 22 price type contracts?
23 Q. Would the Bayou Bonfouca project be 23 MR. LEVINE:
24 considered an HTRW site, by that, in reference 24 Objection. Vague, compound.
25 in previous depositions and documents as a 25 You can answer.
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1 have the lights on, electricity and pens and 1 involved with from 1999 when the Southern Ship
2 paper and things of that nature. Same with an 2 project ended up until the time you became
3 engineering project, I would guess, not being 3 involved with Task Order No. 26 which I believe
4 an engineer, you need to run an office, however 4 is also 2001?
5 there may be certain functions that only an 5 A. I was involved -- well, I went back as
6 engineer may understand the necessity for. And 6 a project engineer in the area office for a
7 so my question was improperly worded. It 7 time on the dredging work, and I was also
8 probably was now that I think about it. Was 8 involved for a period of time, maybe
9 the role that you played focused more on the 9 approximately twelve months, um -- on what was
10 necessity of the financial outlays geared 10 called the west bank asbestos remediation
11 toward understanding how the engineering 11 project, which was another EPA funded -- I
12 process, the engineering project took place? 12 believe it was a Superfund site. Don't hold me
13 MR. LEVINE: 13 to that. But it was a similar type of a
14 Same objection. 14 cleanup.
15 A. I don't know how to answer that. 15 Q. And where was that located?
16 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 16 A. It was all over the west bank of New
17 Q. Fair enough. If I can figure out a 17 Orleans, or Jefferson Parish, in the New
18 better way to ask it I'll come back to it 18 Orleans area. It wasn't a site, per se, it was
19 later. 19 literally at residences. People had come
20 How long were you involved in that 20 across this asbestos-containing material, and
21 Southern Ship project? 21 we went from, you know, location to location,
22 A. The whole time, from beginning to end. 22 door to door, if you will, to remediate those
23 It was a couple of years I guess, maybe a 23 sites.
24 little less. 24 Q. Were you --
25 Q. Do you know when about it ended? 25 A. Excuse me. Things are kind of
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1 A. Around about 2000 -- 2000, yeah. I 1 clicking into this old brain where the memory
2 want to think around 2000. No, I'm sorry. It 2 is kind of fogged. In addition to that, I also
3 ended in 1999. I'm kind of confusing my times 3 worked on the Agriculture Street remediation
4 a little bit here because the Bayou Bonfouca 4 project, which was another EPA lead funded
5 didn't last until '99, the first phase of it, 5 Superfund type project that -- the Corps was
6 that original phase, it probably lasted until 6 doing work for EPA in that regard as far as
7 about '97. And then Southern Ship kind of came 7 managing the work and overseeing the contracts,
8 in on the -- you know, piggybacked in on the 8 the TERC contracts for EPA.
9 back end of it, and it ran from roughly '97 to 9 Q. And was your role similar as it had
10 '99. 10 been on the Southern Ship --
11 Q. When was the first time that you 11 A. Yes.
12 became involved in the project that we'll refer 12 Q. -- where you would review the
13 to as the Task Order 26 project which was the 13 documentation, make sure that was justified?
14 work that was performed on the East Bank 14 A. Yes.
15 Industrial Area of the Industrial Canal? 15 Q. If you felt that something was not
16 A. When was the first time I became 16 justified, what would be the steps that you
17 involved? 17 would take to resolve the issue?
18 Q. What year, if you recall? 18 A. It would depend on the issue. Um --
19 A. It was whenever they mobilized to the 19 if it was -- if it was an issue that was of a
20 site. That's typically when I become involved 20 contractual type nature, I would probably
21 in a project, when the contractor is ready to 21 consult with the contracting officer. If it
22 mobilize to the site. So I believe, if memory 22 was of a technical nature, then I would consult
23 serves me right, it was early in the year of 23 with the technical folks, um -- you know,
24 '01. 24 construction manager, project manager. Not
25 Q. Do you recall what projects you were 25 that the project manager would be -- have the
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1 technical responsibility, but he could get the 1 manner, basically, that us taxpayers were
2 person that could assist you in resolving your 2 getting value for the money that we were
3 issue. 3 spending.
4 Q. Were you involved with any of the 4 Q. How did you first find out that you
5 development of the 1997 MRGO and connecting 5 were going to be -- or how does one with your
6 channels lock replacement evaluation report? I 6 credentials become involved in a project like
7 understand a guy by the name of Dicharry may 7 this? Does the Corps evaluate who's available
8 have been -- 8 and assign people or do you actually apply for
9 A. Oh, Dicharry. 9 that position, for that project?
10 Q. He may have been heavily involved in 10 A. No. There was no application process
11 the overseeing of that report. 11 or formal announcement, to my knowledge, of
12 A. I was not involved in that. 12 this job. It was conveyed to me through my
13 Q. Also regarding this East Bank 13 chain of supervisors, through my management,
14 Industrial Area, there was a design memorandum 14 that when, you know, the project that I was on
15 called the DDR or DDM 1. Were you involved in 15 at the time, probably Agriculture Street
16 the development of that? 16 finished, that I was going to go on over and
17 A. No. 17 start working on the EBIA job, as you call it.
18 Q. It was a 1999 report? 18 Q. Were there any other people in the
19 A. No. 19 Corps that were your peers, such that if there
20 Q. They also had associated with this 20 were two projects going on simultaneously they
21 project, it was going to be to replace the lock 21 would fulfill the role that you would play on
22 in the Industrial Canal -- 22 one project on that other second project?
23 A. Correct. 23 A. I don't know. I mean, I wasn't
24 Q. -- which then led to them -- I 24 privileged to know what management's thinking
25 understand they needed to develop that 25 was. That would be a better question to ask
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1 temporary bypass channel, and that's what led 1 maybe my boss or somebody in management.
2 to the cleanup of the East Bank Industrial 2 Q. On the EBIA project, who was your
3 Area. But in 2000, there were two reports 3 boss?
4 developed about lateral protection, they were 4 A. I got to think back now, but, um -- it
5 going to drive sheet pile to I guess protect 5 probably changed, but when it started, at the
6 the neighborhoods when they put the lock in. 6 outset, it was probably -- it would have been
7 Were you involved in the development 7 John Fogarty. Not the singer. Not that he
8 of that report? I think there was also an 8 could sing anyway.
9 alternative report, too. They were both dated 9 Q. Was there anyone at the Corps that you
10 2000. 10 felt you could turn to to talk about issues
11 A. No, I was not. 11 that were unique to the job role that you
12 Q. When you first became involved in 2001 12 played on the projects?
13 with Task Order No. 26, what was your 13 MR. LEVINE:
14 understanding of what your job responsibilities 14 Objection. Vague.
15 were going to be? 15 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
16 A. Similar to what they had been on 16 Q. Do you understand my question?
17 previous jobs, um -- project engineer was the 17 A. This don't mean I can't answer --
18 title, um -- and with the responsibility for 18 MR. LEVINE:
19 overseeing the work that Washington -- in this 19 You can answer unless I instruct
20 particular case Washington Group was going to 20 you not to answer.
21 be performing out there, and with a primary 21 A. Oh.
22 focus on ensuring that they were spending money 22 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
23 correctly. And by correctly, I mean that the 23 Q. Unless he says don't answer, you'll be
24 work that they were doing was being 24 able to answer.
25 accomplished in an efficient and an effective 25 A. So who was my go to guy? Is that what
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1 that you would turn to? 1 that remediation also included the demolition
2 A. No, the contracting officer, to my 2 work, obviously.
3 recollection, was always in Tulsa. 3 Q. That was going to be my next question.
4 Q. When you first became involved in the 4 The project was going to involve both
5 IHNC project, were you introduced to all the 5 remediation and demolition. Was your function
6 players for Morrison Knudsen and ultimately 6 going to be focused both on the remediation
7 Washington Group? 7 aspect and the demolition --
8 A. I was introduced to certain people. 8 A. Oh, yes.
9 Now, whether they were all the players, I mean, 9 Q. -- aspect?
10 when you're new to a project how do you know? 10 To your knowledge, what was the scope
11 Q. That leads to my next question. How 11 of the demolition when you first got involved?
12 was it that you first became introduced to 12 A. It was to remove all of the structures
13 these people? Was there a formal meeting that 13 that were on the site. Those structures --
14 you were involved with, or was it just a walk 14 above ground structures, consisting of various
15 around where you're actually just saying, 15 buildings, um -- the majority to my
16 hello, how you doing? 16 recollection were like tin type constructed
17 A. I think I was invited to one of the 17 buildings, something that you would typically
18 meetings that they had in Tulsa when the 18 have seen maybe back around in the 1940s
19 Washington guys were going to be there, and I 19 construction, you know, style, motif, if you
20 sat strictly as an observer to the meeting and 20 will, in an industrial type setting. That was
21 just to maybe get a feel, put a face with a 21 primarily what the demolition work involved.
22 name type thing. 22 Removing any concrete slab, foundation
23 Q. Okay. 23 slabs that were under these buildings and any
24 A. That's what I recollect as being how I 24 foundation pilings that were supporting those
25 first came to know some of these guys. 25 slabs. And basically, removing everything from
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1 the site. We used to always kind of remark to 1 question. It's compound, it's
2 ourselves that this was one of the few Corps of 2 confusing.
3 Engineers sites that when it was done there 3 MR. LEVINE:
4 would be nothing to show. You know, there 4 Objection. Vague,
5 would be no ribbon cutting ceremony to open a 5 mischaracterizes the evidence.
6 new lock or a flood gate or some type of 6 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
7 structure or levee. There was nothing there 7 Q. Okay. To solve that, what I'll tell
8 other than a lock the gate and go home. 8 you is, in 1999 --
9 Q. We do know that there were some 9 A. See, I feel like I shouldn't answer a
10 subsurface structures that would have to be 10 question like that.
11 removed. When you first got involved in the 11 Q. Maybe you shouldn't. I'm trying to
12 project, did you have an understanding of what 12 make this easy to go through quickly and not
13 subsurface structures would have to be removed? 13 have to go through this whole box of stuff.
14 A. Well, just through discussing it with 14 But in 1999, a task order was issued and
15 the Washington guys and with Lee who had been 15 ultimately a direction was given to Morrison
16 working on the project, and, you know, I guess 16 Knudsen to perform certain works. When you
17 from the inception of the design portions of 17 refer to a scope of work, are you referring to
18 it, um -- that's how I learned about it, you 18 what the Corps was telling the contractor to do
19 know. 19 or were you referring to what the contractor
20 Q. Were there any documents that were 20 developed to tell the Corps what they were
21 assigned to you to review to understand the 21 going to do?
22 project? And by assigned I mean they said go 22 MR. TREEBY:
23 read this so you get up to speed? 23 Object to the form of the
24 A. Um -- not as I recall, no. 24 question.
25 Q. Were there any documents that you 25 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
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1 sought out to review to educate yourself about 1 Q. You can answer. He doesn't represent
2 the project and the scope of the work that was 2 you.
3 to be performed? 3 A. The second thing what you said, what
4 A. I probably reviewed the scope of work. 4 Washington 's work plan said they were going to
5 I believe there were several documents involved 5 do.
6 with that, the work plans and things of that 6 Q. That's all I'm trying to get to is
7 nature. 7 right there. Thank you.
8 Q. When you say scope of work, just so 8 Had you been involved in the
9 that we're on the same page, as I understand 9 development or review of any documentation that
10 what you're saying there was a scope of work 10 led to the drafting of this project or the
11 that could be produced by the Corps telling the 11 project work plans?
12 contractor what to do. Is that what you were 12 A. No.
13 referring to as the scope of work? Or in this 13 Q. To your recollection, were you
14 particular project we know that the Corps 14 involved in the review of pay proposed work
15 advised WGI or Morrison Knudsen to develop 15 plans prior to them being accepted and being
16 certain work plans that ultimately became the 16 the final document that would be relied upon to
17 guide, initially, as to what work would be 17 perform the work at the East Bank Industrial
18 done. 18 Area?
19 MR. TREEBY: 19 A. Not that I can recall, no.
20 Object. 20 Q. To your knowledge, was -- what was the
21 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 21 deepest excavation that was considered to be
22 Q. When you say scope of work, what were 22 taking place at the IHNC when you first became
23 you referring to? 23 involved?
24 MR. TREEBY: 24 A. I don't think we knew. You know, I
25 Object to the form of the 25 think by nature of a TERC job you don't really
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1 know -- you don't really know an exact scope of 1 that I recall, Alex Brogna.
2 work. That's why it's -- the TERC works well 2 Q. Would they report to you?
3 in that setting because it allows you some 3 A. Yeah. We shared a job site trailer,
4 flexibility contractually in that the 4 so. They were on one end of the trailer, I was
5 contractor can work and you don't have to give 5 on the other.
6 him specific objectives to bid on. He's not 6 Q. I was --
7 bidding on excavating down three feet and three 7 A. It was a pretty close arrangement.
8 hundred cubic yards. He's bidding on cleaning 8 Q. I was thinking more on the lines of
9 up the job, and you're agreeing to pay him his 9 hierarchy, chain of command type thing.
10 expenses plus, you know, an agreed-to profit 10 Did they report to you --
11 or, you know, award fee, as they called it, for 11 A. I was not their official supervisor in
12 his efforts. So I don't know that that would 12 that I didn't do any performance appraisals, I
13 even be significant. 13 couldn't -- you know, I couldn't approve leave
14 Q. Do you recall approximately when it 14 or anything like that. I was not their --
15 was that physical labor actually took place at 15 technically not their supervisor. But I was
16 the IHNC? 16 what was referred to as a team leader, and so
17 A. When they mobilized to the site, um -- 17 if they had an issue as it related to the job,
18 you're talking about when Washington Group 18 they had a problem, say, with the job, then yes
19 started physical labor at the site. 19 they would come to me. But was I their
20 Q. (Nods affirmatively.) 20 supervisor? No.
21 A. Um -- again, I'm going to say early of 21 Q. How much interaction did you have
22 '01, maybe January of '01. 22 personally with the members of the contractor
23 Q. And that's when you became involved? 23 WGI and Morrison Knudsen?
24 A. Yes. Right. You know, because 9/11 24 A. Well, that depends on who you're
25 was in '01, right? This is how I -- sorry, 25 talking about at Morrison Knudsen or WGI. I
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1 guys, this is how I got to remember things. 1 had daily contact with the guys that were out
2 But 9/11 was in '01, so it was before 9/11 2 on the site.
3 because we were out there for 9/11. And it was 3 Q. And who were those people?
4 in the winter, so it was probably January of 4 A. Phillip Staggs was one. He was the
5 '01. 5 primary guy. Earlier on in the project, there
6 Q. When mobilization first started, was 6 was another gentleman Dennis -- I can't
7 your role to review the documentation that was 7 remember --
8 being produced by Washington Group or at that 8 THE WITNESS:
9 time Morrison Knudsen perhaps, to determine 9 You remind me of him.
10 what they should be paid? 10 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
11 A. If you're referring to the stack of 11 Q. O'Connor? Dennis O'Connor? Does that
12 documents -- 12 name sound right?
13 Q. Yes, sir. 13 A. Yeah.
14 A. -- yeah. 14 THE WITNESS:
15 Q. Did you have any other job 15 In fact, I thought you were
16 responsibilities out there? 16 Dennis when you got out the car.
17 A. Well, as project engineer you had 17 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
18 other responsibilities, yeah. I mean, we 18 Q. What type of involvement would you
19 had -- there were some inspectors, some Corps 19 have with them, would it be where you'd have to
20 quality assurance representatives out there 20 ask them questions about what their solutions
21 that reported to me. 21 were, or was it more along the lines of what
22 Q. And who were they, do you remember 22 actual physical labor was taking place?
23 their names? 23 MR. TREEBY:
24 A. They were different from -- you know, 24 Object to the form of the
25 they came in and out. Alvin Clouatre was one 25 question.
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1 dump trucks out there. Obviously I'm 1 thing that would have taken place on the site,
2 exaggerating here. 2 or would that be something that would take
3 Q. Sure. 3 place more in an office setting higher up the
4 A. But that's what -- issues of that 4 chain of command, perhaps, in the planning
5 nature. I always tried to emphasize efficiency 5 phase?
6 and also being effective in what you do. By 6 MR. TREEBY:
7 effective, I mean doing the right things as 7 Object to the form of the
8 opposed to just -- you know, you can be very 8 question.
9 efficient, but if you're doing the wrong thing 9 A. It could have happened either case.
10 you're not being very effective. So. 10 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
11 So, um -- those were primarily -- and 11 Q. And your testimony was you don't
12 early on it was always something that I wanted 12 recall that those discussions took place --
13 to establish with my relationship with the 13 A. Not in my presence, no.
14 contractor, that efficiency and being effective 14 Q. At any time in the course of your
15 was very important. Safety of course is always 15 presence on this project, was the issue of
16 the Number 1 priority, but efficiency and 16 underseepage discussed with members of the
17 effectiveness is probably a 1A priority. And 17 Corps and members of the contractor?
18 that's what I wanted to impress upon -- 18 A. Not to my recollection.
19 Q. In your work in the past working with 19 Q. To your knowledge, were any directives
20 levees, had you ever performed any development 20 given to the contractor -- I'll just refer to
21 of I-walls -- 21 them as WGI -- to the contractor while you were
22 A. No. 22 involved with it to not do anything that would
23 Q. -- as a flood control project? 23 damage the levee or the floodwall?
24 A. No. Perhaps when -- if we go back to 24 MR. LEVINE:
25 the time when I was working with the 25 Objection. Vague.
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1 interaction with George Bacuta? 1 there on a daily basis and I witnessed some of
2 A. George Bacuta. I'm familiar with who 2 the work. I wasn't out there, you know, from
3 you're referring to. He came out to the site 3 starting time to quitting time, but, you know,
4 occasionally for a visit. Generally, he came 4 I was out there. I was curious, for one thing,
5 with Lee Guillory. And other than just having 5 just to see what a sewer lift station looked
6 cordial type discussions with him and maybe 6 like when you pulled it out. I had never seen
7 giving him an update on what was occurring at 7 one out of the ground before. So --
8 that particular time, I didn't really have any 8 Q. To your knowledge, the plan that was
9 dealings with George. 9 developed to remove that lift station, was that
10 Q. That would be my question. He, at his 10 already in place before you came on site, or
11 deposition, indicated that he was a soils 11 was that developed as the project was ongoing?
12 geochemist for the project. My question would 12 To your knowledge.
13 be was he someone that was at the site 13 A. You know, I really don't know. I
14 regularly such that you would have interaction 14 guess it never -- it was never something that I
15 with him? By regularly, I mean multiple times 15 thought was significant as to when it was
16 a week. 16 developed. I don't recall participating in the
17 A. No. 17 development of that plan.
18 Q. The work that he was performing, was 18 Q. My next question was, it's my
19 that the type of work that would have been 19 understanding that a plan was developed to
20 information funneled through you? 20 accomplish that activity, to use your word
21 A. No, it's my understanding that George 21 activity. My question was going to be, were
22 was involved with the what I call the up front 22 you involved in the development of that plan to
23 work, the preliminary work, the work that was 23 accomplish that activity?
24 done and accomplished prior to me arriving on 24 A. Not that I recall.
25 site. 25 Q. The engineering that would be involved
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1 in removing that subsoil structure, would that 1 I wasn't going to attach, but
2 be the type of thing that you as the project 2 I'll be glad to.
3 engineer and team leader would have expected to 3 MR. BAEZA:
4 be involved with? 4 You'll be marking this as
5 A. You know, if you would tell me when 5 Exhibit 10, or --
6 that plan was developed -- you know, if it was 6 MR. JOANEN:
7 developed when I was on site I was involved 7 If you want to attach it, I'll
8 with it. If it was developed prior to January 8 mark it as an exhibit.
9 of '01, I wasn't involved with it. 9 MR. LEVINE:
10 Q. It was in 2002. I'll give it to you. 10 Attaching it as 2.
11 A. If it was in '02, then yeah, I was 11 A. Well, I'm not going to read it all,
12 involved with it. I don't remember it. I 12 but just from, you know, looking over it here
13 guess that's what I'm trying to answer. 13 real quickly, it's what, um -- it's what
14 Q. Let me ask you while I'm looking for 14 Washington 's subcontractor, apparently Hamps
15 it -- 15 Construction, prepared to submit to Washington
16 A. Well, you don't have to -- I mean, I 16 to explain to them this is how we plan to
17 think I've kind of answered it. If it was post 17 accomplish the removal of the lift station.
18 '01, then yeah, I was involved with it. If it 18 Probably what happened was Washington in turn
19 was prior to that, the answer would be no. 19 transferred -- or transmitted this to us and we
20 Q. To your knowledge, was any soil 20 looked at it and made comments to it.
21 stratification studies done in relation to that 21 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
22 engineering study to accomplish that activity? 22 Q. My question is, when you say we looked
23 A. I don't know. That work was 23 at it, I know you're referring to the Corps --
24 accomplished by Washington -- WGI and their 24 A. Yes.
25 subs. Um -- the engineering -- if what you're 25 Q. -- but my question is more specific.
Page 57 Page 59
1 calling the engineering, if you're referring to 1 Did you look at it? And would this be
2 the design of the cofferdam that was put there 2 the type of thing that you would look at from
3 to brace the excavation, that was all done by 3 an engineering perspective and say it will work
4 Washington Group or their subcontractor who I 4 or maybe there's a more efficient way to do it?
5 don't recall at the time who that was. But I 5 If you recall whether you were involved in any
6 don't know what they did to design that. I 6 of those tasks.
7 know it had to be stamped by a licensed 7 A. Yeah. I don't recall.
8 engineer. We wouldn't put somebody and I know 8 Q. I'll be glad to mark this as Exhibit 2
9 Washington wouldn't put somebody down in a hole 9 since we're referring to it.
10 that was a braced excavation that wasn't 10 (Plaintiff's Exhibit 2 was marked for
11 designed and, you know, certified to be 11 identification and is attached hereto.)
12 structurally sound by a capable and competent 12 A. '01, that was seven years ago. I
13 licensed engineer. 13 don't remember what I had for breakfast
14 Q. To show you just -- the date of this 14 yesterday.
15 was October 19, 2001. This is referenced as 15 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
16 WGI 48621, called Lift Station Removal Plan 16 Q. There also was another excavation
17 Revised. 17 further up in the northern part of the IHNC
18 A. Uh-huh. 18 which was referred to I guess informally by a
19 Q. And I'll just show it to you just to 19 lot of people as the wedding cake structure.
20 show you the date. And my understanding -- my 20 Do you recall that excavation and the
21 understanding is that this is the one that was 21 subsurface structure?
22 utilized. 22 A. I recall it. I think I'm the one who
23 MR. LEVINE: 23 named it the wedding cake.
24 WGI 48621 through WGI 48630. 24 Q. Really.
25 MR. JOANEN: 25 A. Yeah.
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1 (Plaintiff's Exhibit 3 was marked for 1 there's indication here that there would need
2 identification and is attached hereto.) 2 to be, of course, backfill into the hole.
3 MR. LEVINE: 3 Correct?
4 I'm going to make the objection 4 A. Correct.
5 now that you pointed it out for me. 5 Q. All right. Were there specifications
6 I'm also objecting to the vagueness of 6 regarding the backfill that would have been
7 the question. But go ahead. 7 included in this plan?
8 MR. JOANEN: 8 A. Specifications as to what, as to the
9 Okay. Just trying to move things 9 amount of the backfill, the application of the
10 along as quickly as possible for you. 10 backfill?
11 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 11 Q. Good question. I guess I'll first say
12 Q. Were you involved in the engineering 12 what type of materials would be put back into
13 analysis of this plan on behalf of the Corps of 13 the hole?
14 Engineers? 14 A. The hole, um -- that structure, that
15 A. If reading through the plan and 15 wedding cake, was not a contaminated structure,
16 looking it over to determine if it looked like 16 that I know of. Um -- the material that was
17 it was going to work, if it was feasible, if it 17 excavated to expose it was placed back in the
18 didn't have anything that was really, um -- 18 hole. So we basically, you know, dug it out
19 unsafe, you know, obviously unsafe, inherently 19 and put the same dirt back in.
20 unsafe, um -- if that's what you mean by 20 Q. Okay. But when you take a structure
21 engineering analysis, then yes. If there was 21 out -- do you know how much -- if you make a
22 something in here that required some type of 22 rectangular box which will encompass the scope
23 calculations, some type of analysis, like me 23 of the excavation, it was going to include both
24 being an engineer when you used the word 24 the soils that surround the structure you
25 analysis, I think somebody has got to go crank 25 remove and the solid structure. Do you know
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1 how much -- what percentage of that excavation 1 Q. For all the materials that were
2 rectangle the wedding cake structure 2 removed from the IHNC, was all the material
3 incorporated? 3 that was put back all from the borrow pit, or
4 A. You're talking about the makeup fill. 4 was there any soils or sand brought in,
5 MR. LEVINE: 5 imported?
6 Right. 6 A. What they call imported materials?
7 A. You're talking about makeup. 7 MR. LEVINE:
8 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 8 Objection. Vague, compound.
9 Q. I'm trying to get to that, correct. 9 A. I remember at the end of the job, to
10 A. Yeah. What percentage did the makeup 10 do final grading and final dressing we brought
11 fill constitute as opposed to the overall 11 in material to do that. That was -- I believe
12 thing? I don't know. You know, it was a 12 that was sand. River sand.
13 fairly large excavation they had to do to get 13 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
14 access to it, to get machines on it and break 14 Q. During this time period of 2001-2002,
15 it up and remove it. I'll hazard a guess and 15 it's not your understanding that any sand was
16 say maybe it was 25 percent of, you know, the 16 imported to utilize in the backfill operations.
17 amount of material excavated, meaning that 17 MR. LEVINE:
18 75 percent of the material went back into the 18 Objection. Vague.
19 hole. The makeup fill was probably coming from 19 A. I don't remember. Can I ask you a
20 our borrow site there that we had on site. 20 question?
21 Q. Do you know for a fact whether there 21 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
22 was any specifications regarding where the 22 Q. Talk to your lawyer. I'm glad to --
23 makeup fill would come from? 23 yeah.
24 A. It would be in there. 24 A. What's the concern with this sand?
25 Q. Would that have been anything that you 25 Q. I'm just asking about the
Page 65 Page 67
1 would have been involved with as the project 1 specifications of the project, that's all.
2 engineer? 2 A. Okay.
3 A. As far as what? Approving it? 3 Q. That's all I'm asking.
4 Q. Sure. Or establishing or approving 4 To your knowledge, was there any sand
5 the specifications. 5 utilized in the backfill operations of the
6 A. Yeah, that was something that I would 6 wedding cake structure?
7 be involved with. 7 A. I don't recall.
8 Q. Do you know whether in fact sand was 8 Q. If there was sand utilized or was not
9 an approved backfill material as the makeup 9 utilized, would that have been a charge that
10 fill? 10 would have been associated with the project?
11 A. I don't -- I don't really recall. You 11 A. Oh, yeah.
12 know, we were using the material that came from 12 Q. If there was a charge associated with
13 the -- on site, you know, from the borrow pit 13 the project, would that have been something
14 on site. 14 that you would have reviewed?
15 Q. The McDonough borrow pit? 15 A. Yes.
16 A. Yeah. I don't recall that being sand. 16 Q. That would have been in that stack of
17 Q. Do you recall whether any sand was 17 documents?
18 sent -- was brought to the site to be utilized 18 A. Yeah. Right.
19 in backfill operations? 19 Q. Is there a cover sheet for that stack
20 MR. LEVINE: 20 of documents, and if so, what would be your
21 By site, you mean the wedding 21 term for it?
22 cake structure? 22 A. Transmittal letter.
23 MR. JOANEN: 23 Q. Would the transmittal letter summarize
24 Any of them. 24 what the supporting documentation --
25 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 25 A. No, the transmittal letter was
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1 generally just a one or two sentence document 1 Q. Going back to these work plans for the
2 that said, you know, attached herewith is the 2 specific activity, in dealing with the lift
3 invoice backup data for the month of blah, 3 station do you know whether there was any
4 blah, blah, you know, in the amount of a 4 specifications regarding the compaction of the
5 million dollars. 5 backfill once the subsurface structure was
6 Q. I have seen that there are things 6 removed?
7 called I think daily quantity reports? Were 7 A. I believe there was some, um --
8 you involved in the development of those? 8 statement to the effect that they had to
9 A. No. Those were something that 9 compact it with the bucket of the machine or
10 Washington Group probably, um -- accumulated 10 the excavator. Um --
11 and tallied up, kept track of, and probably 11 Q. Were you involved in the approval
12 they attached them as part of their QC -- their 12 process of that specification of the work plan,
13 daily QC report which they submitted to us, to 13 the compaction specification?
14 our, um -- quality assurance representatives, 14 A. Well, it's not -- as I recall, it's
15 our inspectors. And then they, in turn, did a 15 not a separate specification, it's probably a
16 report of their own and attached it to 16 paragraph in that document that you're holding
17 Washington 's QC. report. So you had a QA 17 there, or a couple of sentences of the
18 stapled to a QC that went in the file on a 18 paragraph that addresses how they're going to
19 daily basis. 19 compact it.
20 Q. Would you have reviewed those QA/QC 20 Q. Was there any testing of the
21 reports, and I understand that was Mr. Clouatre 21 compaction?
22 and Brogna preparing those -- primarily 22 A. No. Can I say something here?
23 preparing those. Would that be the type of 23 MR. JOANEN:
24 think that would have reviewed on a daily 24 You want to talk to your attorney
25 basis? 25 first.
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1 And if you stop to think about this 1 been there. It was in a deteriorated state
2 for a minute, as far as the backfill I'm 2 when it was removed.
3 talking about, what my thought process was is 3 The lift station is basically a
4 that a Proctor is good, you know, it proves 4 pipe -- it's a large diameter pipe with pumps
5 something, it shows that compaction was 5 in it, valves and ladders to get down into it,
6 achieved. But I didn't need a Proctor, I had 6 all encased in a -- I want to think that that
7 other things in my favor here that didn't make 7 was a metal pipe. Over the years, being
8 it necessary to spend our taxpayers' money on a 8 exposed to a brackish water in the Industrial
9 Proctor. Because chances are if I would have 9 Canal, that thing was deteriorated
10 gotten a Proctor, you guys would be here asking 10 substantially. You don't think that was a
11 me why I didn't take two Proctors or three 11 seepage -- a source for potential seepage?
12 Proctors. What I had in my -- you know, I 12 So we were out there remediating the
13 guess the luxury that I had was two things; I 13 site. What we did, regardless of what the
14 had the luxury of time on my side because this 14 backfill was -- and I honestly don't recall
15 job was -- I believe you said it was in '01 or 15 what it was, but regardless, if it was sand, at
16 '02 at this time. 16 the very worst what we put back was every bit
17 Q. Yes, sir. 17 as good as what we took out. Because you had
18 A. We were still going to be on site for 18 this deteriorating structure, vessel, in the
19 another two to three years. Washington wasn't 19 ground that was just holding dirt around it
20 going anywhere. I had them under contract, 20 loosely.
21 under a cost reimbursable contract. And if we 21 There was a lot of sand that came out
22 had a problem with any of these backfill 22 of that hole for the, um -- for the lift
23 operations it would have been nothing -- that's 23 station because that's typical construction
24 a poor choice of words -- it would have been 24 practice -- whenever you put a pipe or
25 quite simple for me to direct them, as 25 something in the ground, a conduit, you
Page 73 Page 75
1 contracting officer 's representative, to 1 typically lay a bed of sand down so that when
2 correct deficient work and to go in and to do 2 it rests it's supported consistently. If you'd
3 whatever it took, probably just add fill 3 put clay and it was balls of clay like bricks,
4 material. And it would have been very easy to 4 it would point load the structure and, you
5 notice if there was a problem because material, 5 know, pushing on it harder in one spot than
6 over time, it will achieve a certain amount of 6 another and it would tend to cause breakage.
7 compaction on its own. Rain and just elements, 7 So to avoid that, an engineering solution to
8 natural vibrations, would cause the material to 8 that is to lay a bed of sand, set it down in
9 settle and compact on its own. Had it -- if it 9 sand as a kind of like a cushion almost,
10 were not compacted properly, the area that was 10 something that will conform uniformly around
11 excavated would have subsided and there would 11 the vessel and support it. They do that in
12 have been a depression or a hole in the ground 12 tanks, whenever they put down underground
13 at that site. It would have been very simple 13 tanks. You do that in -- you know, whenever
14 to notice that and to direct Washington to go 14 you're laying a utility line or a sewer line,
15 back and fix it. So that was my thought 15 an electrical line or whatever, you always put
16 process at the time. 16 gravel or some type of a material like that to
17 If you want to be concerned about 17 support it evenly.
18 seepage, you have to consider what was removed 18 Talking about utility lines, we
19 from the site. We were talking about a slab 19 removed numerous utility lines. They were
20 that, I don't know, it may have been cracked up 20 running all over the place out there, from
21 and damaged in some sort of a way. The lift 21 front to back. By front I mean from Surekote
22 station that you referred to earlier, that was 22 Road being the front of those properties to the
23 an abandoned lift station that had been 23 back being the canal of those properties.
24 there -- I don't know, it might have been there 24 Numerous utility lines, waterlines, um -- there
25 before the levee. I don't know how long it had 25 was no natural gas back there. Sewer lines,
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1 electrical lines. Um -- we removed all of 1 the sheet pile tips did not exceed -8 to
2 that. You don't think that was potential 2 -10 feet?
3 seepage problem waiting to happen? 3 A. I have no idea what the sheet pile
4 I mean, you had all of these trenches 4 tips were.
5 that were dug with deteriorated conduit and 5 Q. If I showed you a document that was
6 whatnot in it laid with sand in the trenches. 6 produced by WGI that said the sheet pile tip
7 I mean, we remediated all of that. 7 went down to -25 feet and would therefore cut
8 So if you want to consider harm that 8 off any groundwater flow down to that level,
9 we did, okay, give us credit for the good that 9 would you have any reason to believe that is
10 we did. And that's my point. My point is is 10 correct or incorrect based upon your
11 that what was done out there was remediation. 11 understanding of the actual facts?
12 I wasn't a cleanup, it was a remediation. And 12 A. No, I base my belief of it on whether
13 when we left that site it was better than when 13 it was stamped by a professional land surveyor
14 we drove up to it because of that. 14 or a licensed engineer.
15 Thank you for listening. 15 Q. If you're the project engineer and WGI
16 Q. No. The sheet pile that was beneath 16 gives you a document that they produce that
17 the floodwall at the East Bank Industrial Area, 17 indicates that the sheet pile tip depth was
18 IHNC -- 18 -25 feet, would you have any reason to question
19 A. Yeah. 19 it?
20 Q. -- do you know how far down it 20 A. If it was -- no, if it was stamped by
21 reached? 21 a professional engineer or a licensed land
22 A. No. 22 surveyor.
23 Q. The Corps of Engineers says it reached 23 Q. Do you believe that was necessary for
24 down to about -8 feet, per the design. 24 them to have it stamped by a professional
25 A. Elevation -8. 25 engineer or licensed land surveyor?
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1 Q. But that wasn't my question. 1 check, per se, cut. I think it was an
2 A. I was willing to pay for it. 2 electronic funds transfer probably into one of
3 Q. Well, was there a time during the 3 their bank accounts.
4 course of this project where the Corps was not 4 But once I've signed that invoice, I
5 able to met their financial obligations to keep 5 would give it to Lee Guillory, he would in turn
6 the project moving? 6 forward it to the paying office, the finance
7 A. I'm thinking. I'm thinking back. I 7 center, and I want to think it was in
8 mean, there was a time when funding levels were 8 Millington, Tennessee. I think for some reason
9 below what was originally anticipated, but we 9 Millington, Tennessee shoots out in my mind as
10 always meet our financial obligations. We 10 being on that form as the address of where to
11 worked closely with Washington Group on things 11 send the invoice to.
12 or measures to take to make sure that we would 12 Q. Just so I understand, the steps I
13 meet those financial obligations. But with the 13 guess would be that you would review WGI 's
14 approval of the contracting officer and the 14 invoice submission --
15 project manager, we scaled back from time to 15 A. Right.
16 time on operations to ensure that we would have 16 Q. -- make sure it met the standards that
17 enough money. And that kind of goes back to 17 you required.
18 what I was saying toward the beginning of this 18 A. Right.
19 discussion, this deposition, one of my biggest 19 Q. Once it met your standards you would
20 concerns, one of my biggest responsibilities, I 20 forward it to Lee Guillory; is that correct?
21 felt, was to make sure that any work that was 21 A. That's correct.
22 done we had the money to pay for it. 22 Q. And then Lee Guillory at that point
23 Q. Did you ever have an understanding 23 would approve it? Is that correct?
24 that WGI felt that they had advanced in their 24 A. No, um -- Lee never signed it. I
25 work further than they were being paid? 25 signed it. Once I signed it, it was approved
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1 for payment. Um -- in that particular sense -- 1 it was less easy -- it was less difficult.
2 we didn't really have a fax machine out on the 2 Because Agriculture Street, for
3 office, so I would give it to Lee who would fax 3 example -- the west bank, for example, we were
4 it -- or Fed Ex it. I think he Fed Ex'd it. 4 literally working in people's front and
5 We never really that had type of a setup. I 5 backyards, and you had to please the public
6 gave it to Lee just to expedite it. 6 with varying, I guess, expectations as to what
7 Q. Would there be communication between 7 they should get in return for the work. You
8 the New Orleans District and the Tulsa office 8 know, just the public relations, the
9 to effectuate payment? 9 coordination of that was difficult.
10 A. I don't know. Nothing that I did 10 That wasn't present on this job, per
11 along those lines. Now, if maybe Lee did 11 se. I mean, we weren't working in people 's
12 something -- probably what he -- as a minimum 12 backyards. So.
13 what he would have done is probably faxed them 13 Q. Other than working on the canal and
14 a copy of the forms. Not the twelve-inch stack 14 the tank car issue where they had to remove it,
15 of backup documents, but, you know, the little 15 what other activities at that work site would
16 four or five pages of forms. 16 lead you to believe that it was more difficult
17 Q. So if in fact there were communication 17 than others that you have worked on in your
18 between the New Orleans District and the Tulsa 18 experience?
19 District relative to payment of WGI 's specific 19 A. I can't think of any.
20 invoice, it would have taken place between 20 Q. In your relationship --
21 individuals other than you; is that correct? 21 A. Washington might tell you that working
22 A. Yeah. That's not to say, though, that 22 with me was difficult.
23 if someone in Tulsa had an issue or had a 23 Q. I'm building up to that. My question
24 question that they wouldn't necessarily pick up 24 to you was what was -- in your dealings with
25 the phone and call me. But typically the 25 Washington Group, what was your analysis of
Page 85 Page 87
1 standard operating procedure would have been 1 whether they thought this was a difficult
2 for them to work through Lee. Lee was kind of 2 project or not?
3 the liaison, I guess, between the field and the 3 MR. LEVINE:
4 technical and the other district elements. I 4 Objection. Calls for
5 believe his official title was like 5 speculation.
6 construction manager or something. Something 6 A. Yeah.
7 along those lines. Not that it matters. 7 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
8 Q. Of the projects that you worked on for 8 Q. I'm saying what's your analysis. I
9 the Corps, how would you rate them as -- how 9 don't want you to speculate about what you
10 would you rate the IHNC project as -- relative 10 think, I want to know what you actually thought
11 difficulty, would you find that a difficult 11 in your analysis.
12 job? 12 A. Personally, it didn't matter to me
13 A. In some ways. In other ways I think 13 what they thought, if they thought the job was
14 it was probably average. Um -- 14 difficult or not. What mattered to me was that
15 Q. In what ways did you think it was more 15 they did it.
16 difficult than some of the others that you 16 Q. Well, you as the project engineer can
17 worked on? 17 tell whether they're getting along easily or
18 A. Primarily because it was along the 18 they're having some technical issues that need
19 bank of the canal and you had some marine work 19 to be addressed.
20 involved. They had to remove a pier, a dock. 20 A. Oh.
21 They had -- we discovered at some point that 21 Q. And so in your analysis, did you think
22 there was a, um -- a sunken railroad tank car 22 that they were having an easy job of it or was
23 that had apparently fallen off of a barge and 23 it a difficult job?
24 was in the canal and had to be removed. In 24 MR. LEVINE:
25 those respects, um -- in other respects, um -- 25 Same objection.
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1 A. I never got the impression from them 1 excavations first, scooping up the soils, is
2 that they were in over their heads or that they 2 there any special technical experience you need
3 stumbled upon something that they didn't know 3 to have to scoop that first five feet up?
4 what to do or who to call or who to hire to fix 4 A. No.
5 a problem. No. They were top notch. 5 Q. The deeper excavations, when we go to
6 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 6 the wedding cake structure and the sewer lift
7 Q. In your analysis of removing the 7 station, other than having the specialized
8 aboveground structures, the sheds that had the 8 machinery to get down deep into there, is there
9 forties motif -- 9 any specialized technical experience that needs
10 A. Yeah. 10 to be hired by the Corps to get that hole dug?
11 Q. -- was that a hard job? Anything any 11 A. Yeah. Um -- you are getting into a
12 competent demolition contractor couldn't do? 12 little bit more technical issues there because
13 A. Yeah. I don't -- if I recall 13 you've got a cofferdam involved so you've got
14 correctly, Washington, you know, subbed that 14 to drive the sheet piling, you know, to
15 out to a demolition guy. 15 construct the cofferdam, you've got welding
16 Q. Same with concrete slab removals; 16 involved, you've got pile driving involved. I
17 nothing difficult about that? 17 guess at that point it becomes a question do
18 A. They may have self-performed the slab 18 you consider that complicated? Um -- it's more
19 removals, you know. If I recall correctly, I 19 complicated than having a backhoe there with a
20 think that was Washington 's forces that did 20 bucket on it and a guy on back of the backhoe
21 the slab removals. 21 digging three feet deep, you know.
22 Q. That's not rocket science, right? You 22 Q. Do you think that the driving of the
23 put a chisel hammer on it, break it up and put 23 cofferdam and tack welding the walers is a
24 it on a truck and get rid of it; right? 24 complicated activity such that Washington Group
25 A. Any caveman can do it. 25 would have difficulty with it?
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1 that work. They didn't do the construction of 1 Q. My question to you, as the project
2 the cofferdam, though. 2 engineer, what in your observation would lead
3 Q. They subbed that out. 3 this guy Dennis O'Connor, who is one of the
4 A. Yeah. 4 senior guys on site, to feel that working in
5 Q. I'm going to show you an E-mail 5 the East Bank Industrial Area in New Orleans,
6 that -- so you understand where this comes 6 Louisiana is harder than working in Iraq?
7 from. In this litigation the Washington Group 7 MR. LEVINE:
8 has produced reams of documents that I've had 8 Objection. Speculation.
9 the pleasure of going through. 9 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
10 (Plaintiff's Exhibit 4 was marked for 10 Q. I'm asking about your observations.
11 identification and is attached hereto.) 11 A. Well, you know, anybody who's good at
12 A. God love you. 12 what they do as a professional has -- be it a
13 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 13 football player or a dancer or an engineer or a
14 Q. And this is one from Dennis O'Connor, 14 lawyer, anybody who's good at it, has a way, a
15 someone that you knew of, and it was from 15 knack to make something that's very difficult
16 Dennis O'Connor to Richard Lesser. 16 for the average person to appear to be very
17 Do you know who Richard Lesser is? 17 easy. If you're sitting down watching a
18 A. The name is familiar, but -- I mean, 18 football game or a golf match, you watch these
19 he's familiar in the sense that he was a 19 guys perform, and they'll catch a football
20 Washington employee. 20 that's flying 60 yards in the air, or kick a
21 Q. Uh-huh. I'll let you read it but I'm 21 football, or hit a golf ball three hundred and
22 going to just read it into the record. This is 22 fifty yards right down the middle of the
23 dated August 2nd, 2005. And it says, a month 23 fairway. You go try to do that. I try to do
24 or so ago I was asked what I thought of working 24 it every day playing golf and I can't come
25 in Iraq. I responded by saying, "I've been on 25 close. So what I'm trying to say is, a true
Page 93 Page 95
1 harder jobs, I've dealt with tougher problems. 1 professional can take the difficult and make it
2 Of course, I was referring to the EBIA. The 2 appear easy. So maybe I didn't know everything
3 people that worked on the EBIA should be 3 Dennis O'Connor had going on and all of the,
4 congratulated. I always thought that the 4 you know, balls he had to juggle to make it
5 company failed to understand the difficulties 5 look easy to me. Um -- if he felt it was
6 this particular project presented. 6 difficult, then I'm kind of glad in a way,
7 Nonetheless, thanks for letting me know that 7 because that means I pushed him and got a good
8 the job got finished and no one shot the 8 job out of him, in a way. In another way, I'm
9 Montegut. My thanks to the folks that I was 9 somewhat, you know, sad that he was glad nobody
10 privileged to work with, you know who you are 10 shot me. But that's okay. I'm glad nobody
11 (now get over it)." And it's signed by him, 11 shot him in Iraq.
12 electronically, I guess, as a project manager 12 Q. I guess the question that I have that
13 for the Middle East Construction Program. And 13 pops in into my mind on this is if the
14 I'll read that, it's WGI 262190. 14 difficulties that he's referring to were in
15 MR. LEVINE: 15 getting paid, that's different than the
16 Do you have any more copies? 16 difficulties that he's experiencing in actually
17 MR. JOANEN: 17 performing the labor to accomplish the tasks.
18 No. 18 Correct?
19 MR. LEVINE: 19 MR. LEVINE:
20 Is there a question pending? 20 Objection. Speculation.
21 MR. JOANEN: 21 MS. CRONIN:
22 I'm going to ask a question but I 22 Speculation.
23 want him to look at it before I ask a 23 A. Correct.
24 question. 24 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
25 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 25 Q. And we have already gone through this
Page 94 Page 96
24 (Pages 93 to 96)
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MONTEGUT, III, JAMES
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1 when we went through the various tasks that you 1 the same paragraph it talks about this deal
2 were asking them to perform; they weren't 2 with the devil, and it indicates that the logic
3 overly complicated, correct? 3 is that it was easy to reassign office pukes
4 A. Taken on an individual analysis, yeah, 4 and if we left the site we might not be called
5 it's not complicated to dig a three-foot hole 5 back.
6 with an excavator, no. 6 Did you ever hear of anyone at WGI
7 Q. And as you said, the time constraints 7 make those comments to you? And I'll show you
8 were not that overbearing because they had a 8 just a page.
9 number of years to be out there, correct? 9 MR. LEVINE:
10 A. That's correct. 10 Are we going to attach --
11 Q. So it would appear to me that the 11 MR. JOANEN:
12 difficulties that they had were getting paid. 12 If I give them all to him.
13 And of course every big corporation, the reason 13 A. No. I never did.
14 they're out there is to -- 14 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
15 A. Make money. 15 Q. And this just -- like I said, it's
16 Q. -- get paid. 16 obviously -- it's something that was being
17 MR. LEVINE: 17 worked on by WGI with angry comments from WGI
18 Objection. Speculation. 18 people, as I understand it. You also see up
19 MS. CRONIN: 19 here where it says upside-down. Obviously
20 Speculation and 20 there's some overlying concepts that were on
21 mischaracterization. 21 this guy 's mind.
22 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 22 A. Yeah. I'm kind of curious what
23 Q. While you were the project engineer 23 upside-down means. I don't know. I know what
24 for this project, did you ever hear anyone at 24 it is to be upside-down on a car loan.
25 WGI refer to this project as an upside-down 25 Q. Well, that's what instigated my
Page 97 Page 99
25 (Pages 97 to 100)
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1 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 1 abilities, would that be the type of thing that
2 Q. Have you had a chance to look at that? 2 you would get involved with? Or maybe someone
3 A. Yeah. 3 else, perhaps it would be Lee Guillory and not
4 Q. While you were the project engineer, 4 you.
5 did you ever hear anyone at WGI say to you that 5 A. Yes. Yes. And I think it would be
6 they had subcontracted out tasks which fell 6 me.
7 within their core competence? 7 Q. Okay. Did you -- and if I asked the
8 A. No. 8 question before, I apologize. Did you observe
9 Q. Were there any discussions between you 9 any such difficulties that WGI was having with
10 and Dennis O'Connor or anyone else that would 10 its subcontractors such that you did get
11 indicate that the things that they were doing 11 involved?
12 were difficult and that they were outside of 12 A. Yes.
13 the scope of their core competence? 13 Q. And what issues were those? Or what
14 A. Not as I recall, no. 14 activities?
15 Q. Did Dennis O'Connor or anyone else 15 A. As I recall, MMG was performing soil
16 involved with the management of the project on 16 borings to determine contamination levels.
17 site say to you that they were concerned about 17 Um -- the performance, in my opinion, was
18 the issues that they were having at the East 18 inefficient due to the fact that while the
19 Bank -- at the IHNC would be detrimental to 19 people on the ground were working hard and
20 their long-term business interests? 20 doing the best they could, the equipment that
21 A. Not that I recall. 21 they were utilizing was just too small to work
22 Q. Were you familiar with any WGI 's 22 effectively and efficiently in the large scope
23 difficulties at the Tar Creek project? 23 of the borings that they had to do. If I
24 A. None whatsoever. 24 recall correctly, they may have had to do three
25 Q. I'm sorry? 25 hundred and some odd borings. Maybe more, I
Page 101 Page 103
1 A. None whatsoever. 1 don't know. But let's just say for the sake of
2 Q. Were you familiar as the project 2 discussion they had to do 365 borings. Um --
3 engineer with any difficulties that WGI was 3 it was my observation when they were out there
4 having with its subcontractor MMG which is 4 initially that it would take them, based on my
5 Materials Management Group? 5 recollection, in excess of a day to complete
6 A. I'm thinking. There were some issues 6 one boring. And we're talking about a boring
7 with MMG early on in the project as it related 7 that may be ten feet deep, twenty feet deep.
8 to their efficiency in accomplishing certain 8 They had -- the borings were varying in depth,
9 activities. Whether that caused difficulties 9 some were ten, some were twenty. It didn't
10 with Washington I can't speak to that. 10 take a whole lot of complicated arithmetic to
11 Q. If Washington were having difficulty 11 figure out that they would be out there at that
12 with that, would that be something that you 12 rate for well over a year. And it was not
13 would have been brought in on? 13 through a lack of effort from the people. It's
14 A. I think that that would be something 14 not that the people were, you know, taking a
15 you'd have to ask Washington. That would be a 15 break every five minutes or anything like that,
16 decision they would have to, um -- make if they 16 they were out there doing the best they could.
17 wanted to bring me in on a difficulty they were 17 So I went to Dennis and expressed my
18 having with a sub that I was unaware of. 18 concerns over the amount of time this was
19 Q. I guess that was a bad question. 19 taking, and I said that in my estimation we
20 If you realized that -- as the project 20 would come out cheaper in the long run to get a
21 engineer, in your responsibilities at the 21 larger drill rig out there, one that could
22 project, if you realized that WGI was having 22 really drill and go and collect a sample and
23 some difficulties and you knew from observation 23 maybe do two or three holes a day as opposed to
24 and experience that it was because one of their 24 point something. At first I believe Dennis was
25 subs was not performing to the best of their 25 reluctant because there were certain, um --
Page 102 Page 104
1 maybe agreements or arrangements that they had 1 Had we been working in my backyard or
2 with MMG that I wasn't privy to, that I don't 2 your backyard or somebody's backyard, MMG would
3 want to be privy to, that I had no business 3 have probably been the person for the job. But
4 being privy to as contracting officer's 4 on a 32-acre site like we were out in, you
5 representative. What they did, arrangements 5 know, in an industrial type site where you're
6 they made with their subcontractors was within 6 going to encounter trip hazards, wasps, bees,
7 their own business discretion as far as I was 7 you know, just elements, they weren't the
8 concerned. I was only concerned about the 8 people for the job.
9 efficiency with the people that they put on the 9 Q. Do you remember when it was that MMG
10 site. 10 was replaced?
11 And to a lesser degree, I was 11 A. No. I mean shortly after all of
12 concerned also somewhat from a safety 12 the -- I can't recall how many holes they
13 standpoint, because when they first came out, 13 completed or what, but --
14 as I recall, it was kind of like this time of 14 Q. Do you remember the name of the
15 year, it was hot, and some of the folks that 15 company that replaced MMG?
16 they had out there, although they tried very 16 A. No, it was a drill rig company -- the
17 hard they were not typical field worker, they 17 guy on the crew we called him Jaws. I can
18 were more office people. And I consider myself 18 remember Jaws, but I can't remember the name of
19 an office person. I can't go out and 19 the company. I'm sorry.
20 physically do what it takes in this type of a 20 Q. Do you remember whether MMG was
21 climate to accomplish a day's worth of work. 21 replaced only to perform the physical labor of
22 And I felt, based on my experience, that some 22 drilling the hole, or were they also replaced
23 of the people in that crew were like me. I 23 to do the analysis of the soils?
24 expressed that to him, too. 24 A. I don't remember. My concern was only
25 And we went, we had discussions, we 25 in regards to the physical, um -- collecting or
Page 105 Page 107
1 had disagreements over it, and eventually the 1 the drilling, you know, the borings.
2 decision was made to replace that operation 2 Q. That was somewhat my next question.
3 with another company. And I even at the time 3 Would that have been the type of task
4 expressed to Dennis that my only interest was 4 that you would have had to familiarize yourself
5 getting it done efficiently, if he wanted to 5 with as a project engineer to know whether the
6 give MMG the opportunity to sub it out to -- 6 company that was doing the soil testings and
7 you know, if they didn't have a bigger rig in 7 analyzing those borings was in fact MMG or a
8 their equipment inventory, if they wanted to 8 replacement?
9 sub out a bigger rig, it didn't matter to me as 9 MR. TREEBY:
10 long as we got better than a hole a day because 10 Objection. Vague.
11 we couldn't live with that. I couldn't afford 11 A. It kind of goes back to my answer
12 to -- I couldn't justify -- I mean I could 12 about the professional engineer. You know, as
13 afford it, but I couldn't justify, in my mind, 13 long as it was a company that did that kind of
14 the overhead cost of the other field personnel 14 thing and was a certified lab or whatever the
15 waiting for this process to, you know, be 15 designation of -- a Corps approved lab, I had
16 accomplished. 16 no preference.
17 So anyway, long story short, we 17 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
18 replaced them. Washington replaced them. 18 Q. From my amateur point of view it seems
19 Because if I recall correctly, MMG chose not to 19 to me that George Bacuta who was the soils
20 sub the work out. And the other company came 20 geochemist would be the one more integrally
21 in and they performed, um -- to an efficiency 21 involved in that type or part of the project.
22 level that I would expect a drill rig crew to 22 A. Yeah. Right. Yeah.
23 perform and accomplish, you know, a pace of 23 MR. LEVINE:
24 production that you would typically expect for 24 Object.
25 a job of that magnitude. 25 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
Page 106 Page 108
1 A. Oh, this is project completion report. 1 on WGI with their little stamp on
2 Q. It's the same -- 2 there. I did nothing more than that.
3 A. This is part of the project completion 3 Therefore I'm asking him questions
4 report -- 4 about the content of it, if he has any
5 Q. Yes, sir. 5 information about that. I think
6 A. -- which was done -- 6 that's what I led him to believe.
7 Q. And so this sentence -- 7 If I led you to believe something
8 MS. CRONIN: 8 different, I apologize.
9 I would like to stop and look at 9 But I thought that's what I led
10 the document because I think the 10 him to believe.
11 witness thinks -- he just said it's 11 MS. CRONIN:
12 part of the project completion 12 It's my understanding at this
13 document. I don't know if that's 13 time he has a different understanding.
14 accurate. 14 MR. JOANEN:
15 I don't understand, but I 15 I don't know anything about this,
16 don't -- 16 I think your people have testified
17 MR. JOANEN: 17 they don't know what it is, so that's
18 It's a document that you guys 18 why I'm asking the questions.
19 produced. 19 MS. CRONIN:
20 MS. CRONIN: 20 I was just concerned if he had a
21 I understand it's a document I 21 misunderstanding at this point about
22 produced, but -- 22 which document he was looking at,
23 MR. JOANEN: 23 that's all.
24 I'm asking him questions based 24 MR. JOANEN:
25 upon information in that production. 25 And I understand you have a joint
Page 110 Page 112
1 asked him to take a look at it and make a 1 had a further dispute about that.
2 decision as to whether or not it should go 2 So --
3 further. 3 MR. JOANEN:
4 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 4 It's called a project completion
5 Q. So you'd have relied upon his 5 report.
6 expertise as the higher ranking official at 6 MS. CRONIN:
7 that time? 7 Yes, but you haven't established
8 A. As the liaison, just to be familiar 8 any foundation for the document.
9 with the organization well enough to know who 9 MR. LEVINE:
10 to send it to, what office would have the 10 There's a whole bunch of
11 expertise to review that document, yes. 11 handwriting on it, so it's not the
12 Q. In this same -- going back to this 12 project completion report. It's a
13 what was defined as the project completion 13 document labeled as the project
14 report, the bottom of Page WGI 57516 indicates 14 completion report --
15 that they should insert a time line, 2000, 15 MR. JOANEN:
16 2001, and it says this is possibly a good place 16 Right.
17 to use the phrase "upside-down." And then the 17 MR. LEVINE:
18 next sentence says, note when changes in 18 -- but this is clearly not the
19 approach occurred. 19 project completion report that was
20 And I'll show you, it's on the bottom 20 provided to the Corps of Engineers
21 in the handwriting. (Tendering.) 21 from WGI.
22 A. What's the question? 22 MR. JOANEN:
23 MR. TREEBY: 23 Well, I will also tell you that
24 I don't see a question. I'm 24 in the context of a 30(b)(6)
25 looking at what you've said and I 25 deposition we had a inquiry about all
Page 122 Page 124
1 Can you just ameliorate it by 1 take me two weeks, three weeks to go through
2 calling it Exhibit 5 from here on out? 2 that, I would process the invoice. I wouldn't
3 MR. JOANEN: 3 hold up their payments. And the agreement I
4 Exhibit 5. 4 had with them was that if anything subsequent
5 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 5 came out that was a questionable cost that we
6 Q. I'm not going to read all of this, and 6 had to at a later date back out, they would
7 I'm just trying to get an understanding of what 7 back it out. And I think you can probably see
8 this upside-down terminology is. This is Page 8 instances of that.
9 WGI 57518, and I'll ask you to just look at the 9 So it was never my intent to, you
10 whole page. I'm not going to even read it or 10 know, use that as a stick or a punishment or
11 evaluate it, and see if that does anything to 11 anything like that. I always tried, whenever I
12 jog your memory or give you any insight as to 12 was presented an invoice, to get it, so to
13 what upside-down means as it relates to this 13 speak, off of my desk and into the processing,
14 IHNC project. 14 um -- cycle within two or three days.
15 MR. TREEBY: 15 The Corps has a policy, as far as I
16 Object to the reference of jog 16 know they still do, prompt payment act, to pay
17 your memory since this witness has not 17 a contractor within 14 days of him submitting a
18 indicated he's ever seen this before. 18 correct invoice. I don't think we ever had a
19 A. So the question is what now? 19 situation where we didn't meet that. And
20 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 20 charges that turned out to be, you know,
21 Q. Well, here they're talking about 21 incorrect were always backed out on a
22 substantial additional costs. Would that lead 22 subsequent invoice.
23 you to believe that there's an issue with costs 23 Beyond that, what's -- what I read on
24 and that the upside-down scenario referred to 24 that page you just gave me, it relates
25 in this Exhibit 5 is something that you were 25 apparently to some internal type of, um --
Page 126 Page 128
1 situation that WGI had with subcontractors or 1 of transparency allowed the project 's pace to
2 maybe had certain feelings about subcontractors 2 exceed available funding on two occasions.
3 that they never, ever expressed to me. 3 Do you know of any instances where the
4 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 4 project 's pace exceeded available funding?
5 Q. As the project engineer, what does the 5 A. No. If I did I wouldn't have allowed
6 term to recast the property's performance 6 it to proceed.
7 criteria mean? 7 Q. The next paragraph, I'm going to show
8 A. Yeah. I read that and I wondered what 8 it to you in a second, says, in response to the
9 that meant myself. I don't know. 9 project outpacing available funding, and it
10 Q. As the project engineer, what does it 10 says the client -- scratched out with Jones
11 mean when it says acquiring raw data from the 11 written in next to it -- demanded near realtime
12 analytical laboratory which was recast to 12 evaluations of expenditures as a way to track
13 obtain measurements sufficient to propose that 13 project development and prevent future work
14 the site met the state 's closure criteria? Do 14 flow interruptions.
15 you know what that means, as the project 15 Do you know of any work flow
16 engineer? 16 interruptions that took place?
17 MR. LEVINE: 17 A. You mean like had to shut down because
18 Objection. Speculation. 18 we ran out of money type thing?
19 A. I'm not real sure what it means. 19 Q. That's why I'm asking you the
20 Um -- I would sure like to know who wrote that 20 questions. That's why I came up here. I don't
21 and maybe they could better explain than I 21 know if there were, but I'm asking you as the
22 could. 22 project engineer were there any work flow
23 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 23 interruptions?
24 Q. I'd like to know who wrote it, too, 24 A. Like I had said earlier, you know,
25 but they won't tell me. 25 when funding started to slow down we had to
Page 129 Page 131
1 MR. TREEBY: 1 match that funding pace with our work pace, so
2 You haven't asked. So you're not 2 we throttled back and reduced the pace that we
3 representing it correctly, Scott. 3 had originally anticipated performing at.
4 A. But if you want me to respond to what 4 Q. And do you know of any instances where
5 I think it would mean, collecting raw data from 5 the project was outpacing available funding?
6 the lab would be they went back to the lab and 6 A. No. Like I said, if I did we would
7 started over from scratch because apparently 7 have had to have taken corrective action.
8 somebody had made a mistake in processing -- 8 Q. There's a handwritten note in here,
9 taking the raw data and processing it into an 9 I'm going to show you this after, it says
10 interpretable form. So that's what they did, 10 Montegut came up with his version that
11 they went back to the lab, got the raw data so 11 convoluted things no one could understand.
12 that they could start from scratch and 12 I'm going to ask you -- the question
13 reperform the analysis so that they could have 13 is, was there a procedure in place for
14 a valid set of data that the LDEQ, the 14 invoicing and funding that was changed as the
15 Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, 15 project developed?
16 would accept and issue the NFFAT, whatever 16 A. A procedure in place that changed.
17 those letters were, which was basically the 17 Not as I recall.
18 LDEQ 's blessing that the site was clean and 18 Q. Were there any changes that you made
19 you could go forward with the next phase of 19 to the invoicing and funding procedure?
20 your project, that being the construction of 20 A. Not that I recall.
21 the new lock. 21 Q. If there were changes, would they be
22 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 22 indicated in any documents as a directive or a
23 Q. Moving on to Page WGI 057520, 23 written document that would say we want you to
24 Section 7.1, there is an indication here -- 24 do things different now?
25 this is not handwriting, this is typed -- lack 25 MR. LEVINE:
Page 130 Page 132
1 Objection. Speculation, 1 the Corps Tulsa District from assign the work
2 hypothetical. 2 to one of its CEC contractors.
3 A. I don't know. I can't recall. 3 Do you know what a CEC contractor is?
4 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 4 A. No. And I wasn't aware that the devil
5 Q. Moving on to the next page, I think I 5 was an employee of the Corps.
6 may have asked you this question already, this 6 Q. There's a statement in here, the
7 is on Page 57522, on Part 6.0, under project 7 handwritten statement that indicates that
8 achievements, Number 1. It says, client 8 significant environmental remediation -- we
9 regards Washington Group's technical 9 completed a significant environmental
10 performance as superior. And then handwritten 10 remediation job in spite of the fact the
11 under there it says don't even mention Tar 11 environmental staff had atrophied to the point
12 Creek, why should we? 12 of being nonexistent.
13 Have I asked you, do you know anything 13 Do you recall any times while you were
14 about their involvement with the Tar Creek 14 the project engineer where the environmental
15 project? 15 staff had atrophied to the point of being
16 A. Yeah. 16 nonexistent?
17 MR. TREEBY: 17 A. No. That could possibly be referring
18 Objection. Asked and answered. 18 to there was nobody on site at a particular
19 A. Yeah. You did, and I said no. 19 point maybe toward the end of the project, but
20 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN: 20 that doesn't mean that there wasn't people
21 Q. I apologize. I'm not meaning to waste 21 available back in their main office to call
22 your time. 22 upon if needed.
23 On the last page, 57523, under the 23 Q. Do you know whether they were calling
24 conclusions and recommendations, the statement 24 upon people in the main office?
25 for conclusions that's typed in here says 25 MR. LEVINE:
Page 133 Page 135
1 Oh, the same document? 1 with WGI, that the 1997 report on groundwater
2 MS. CRONIN: 2 flow information indicated the influence of
3 The document with handwriting on 3 structures present at the time on the shallow
4 it that he's never seen before and 4 groundwater flow.
5 he's asking him to interpret it. 5 Are you familiar with that?
6 MR. JOANEN: 6 (Plaintiff's Exhibit 6 was marked for
7 I'm not asking him to interpret. 7 identification and is attached hereto.)
8 I'm asking him questions. I'm telling 8 A. (Shakes head negatively.)
9 him the basis from which I developed 9 MR. LEVINE:
10 my questions. 10 You got to answer yes or no.
11 MR. LEVINE: 11 A. No. I'm sorry.
12 And this particular page is WGI 12 EXAMINATION BY MR. JOANEN:
13 57523. 13 Q. Are you familiar with the concept that
14 Do you have a question? 14 subsurface structures can affect the migration
15 MR. JOANEN: 15 of subsurface groundwater?
16 I just felt it was unfair to not 16 A. Yes. I think that's kind of related
17 show it to him when I asked him 17 to what I was discussing earlier when we were
18 questions about it. I'm just trying 18 talking about seepage. All of the structures
19 to be fair to the guy. I asked him do 19 that we removed probably improved the potential
20 you want to look at it. He could have 20 for seepage.
21 told me no. 21 Q. Do you know whether in fact the 1997
22 MR. LEVINE: 22 design memorandum showed the pre-remediation
23 I'm just asking if you have a 23 groundwater flow flowed both towards and away
24 question about the document you just 24 from the Industrial Canal?
25 showed him. 25 A. No.
Page 137 Page 139
1 REPORTER'S CERTIFICATE
2 I, JOSEPH A. FAIRBANKS, JR., CCR, RPR,
3 Certified Court Reporter in and for the State
4 of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the
5 aforementioned witness, after having been first
6 duly sworn by me to testify to the truth, did
7 testify as hereinabove set forth;
8 That said deposition was taken by me
9 in computer shorthand and thereafter
10 transcribed under my supervision, and is a true
11 and correct transcription to the best of my
12 ability and understanding.
13 I further certify that I am not of
14 counsel, nor related to counsel or the parties
15 hereto, and am in no way interested in the
16 result of said cause.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 ____________________________________
24 JOSEPH A. FAIRBANKS, JR., CCR, RPR
25 CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER #75005
Page 149
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105:13 114:23 forget 72:12 fully 144:2 getting 17:19 108:11 127:17
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flood 37:6 46:23 former 145:16 134:25 123:14 126:12 64:23 71:1,18
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flooded 78:17 formulated 84:2 98:19 given 1:11 6:21 93:9,22 94:22
floodwall 47:10 145:19 funneled 54:20 6:24 39:15 96:3 99:10
48:23 49:6,10 forth 140:17 furnish 17:14 48:20 49:5 107:6 117:8,21
49:19 77:17 149:7 further 16:9 111:20 121:25 117:22 118:2
140:19 141:4,8 forties 89:9 20:5 60:17 148:5,7 122:12 126:6
145:5 forward 72:21 82:25 120:24 gives 79:16 126:10 127:25
floodwalls 6:11 84:6,20 130:19 122:3 124:1 giving 54:7 131:7 132:9,12
flow 79:8 131:14 forwarded 149:13 123:5,13 140:2,6 141:16
131:15,22 119:25 120:3 future 131:13 glad 8:11,16 142:25 144:5
138:4,9,12,19 120:20 121:16 fuzzy 17:20 59:2 60:8 146:8
139:2,4,23 forwarding 92:17 67:22 96:6,9 GOLDBERG
140:4,5 141:3 118:8 96:10 3:8
141:7 found 11:15 G go 9:14 15:10 golf 95:18,21,24
flowed 139:23 foundation game 95:18 31:16 32:25 Gonzales 6:2
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9:4 70:7 trip 107:6 72:11,11 76:16 86:14,22,25,25 undertook 14:3
136:10,12 truck 89:24 85:5 103:1 91:11,18 92:17 unfair 137:16
146:12 143:16 105:20 107:5 96:5 102:16 Unh-unh 78:19
told 137:21 trucks 46:1 108:3,21 103:17 104:2 uniformly 76:10
top 89:5 true 95:25 128:25 131:18 104:25 106:21 unique 32:11
torch 92:22 109:10 148:7 142:6 144:14 107:25 127:15 unit 15:4
TORTS 2:11 149:10 typed 130:25 127:24 128:14 UNITED 1:1 2:9
total 19:17 truth 8:6 149:6 133:25 128:25 129:20 2:10
tougher 94:1 try 8:18 95:23 types 14:22 21:9 unaware 102:18 University 9:21
toxic 19:1 95:23 142:6 unclear 7:25 9:23
track 69:11 trying 22:3 typewritten underground UNO 9:23 10:7,9
131:12 39:11 40:6 113:11 47:12,14 76:12 unsafe 62:19,19
trailer 43:3,4 45:24 57:13 typical 15:3 underseepage 62:20
143:14 62:9 65:9 75:23 105:17 47:5,10,22 update 54:7
trailers 143:14 95:25 109:19 typically 11:15 48:16 72:13,14 upside-down
transcribed 113:16 126:7 15:5 17:9 understand 6:15 97:25 98:5
149:10 137:18 26:20 36:17 7:10,14 8:1,2,7 99:19,23,24
8:9 11:24
855 2:5
8710 1:11
888 2:14
9
9 4:10 140:24
9/11 41:24 42:2
42:2,3
92 15:20
93 4:13
97 26:7,9
99 26:5,10