Environmental service companies in litigation over $1.8M in equipment for Superstorm Sandy work

GALVESTON – Two disaster response companies are in a legal dispute over outstanding invoices for equipment used in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Garner Environmental Services Inc. filed suit against The Louis Berger Group Inc. on Jan. 25 in Galveston County District Court, claiming the Berger Group owes it almost $2 million.

According to its website, Garner was founded in 1981 in Deer Park and provides emergency environmental response services for natural and man-made disasters.

The New Jersey-based Louis Berger Group specializes in environmental clean up in post-conflict and post-natural disaster areas as well as areas of insurgence.

According to the suit, LBG has yet to pay Garner nearly $1.8 million for generators, accessory cables and locks the plaintiff provided at the height of the hurricane that swamped coastal New Jersey and surrounding areas in late October.

The parties had an agreement for Garner to supply equipment to LBG at agreed-upon prices in accordance with the Garner's rate schedule, the suit states.

Garner claims it received LBG’s approval to proceed and then procured and shipped the equipment, according to the suit. Garner insists that it held up its part of the agreement, however LBG has failed to promptly remit payment.

According to the original petition, the plaintiff attempted to contact LBG when the invoices became delinquent. Garner claims no payments have been made toward the debt totaling $1,744,478.

Attorney Jason G. Johns with Jackson Walker LLP in Houston is representing Garner.

Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox is presiding over the case.

Case No. 13-CV-137