In WGRZ’s coverage of the ongoing radioactive waste investigations in Niagara County, HSE Environmental Partner Thomas M. Tuori emphasizes that identifying the source of contamination through a process known as “fingerprinting” will be critical to determining responsibility and supporting any future legal action. Drawing on his background as both an environmental attorney and former environmental engineer, Tuori explains that fingerprinting combines historical research into industrial operations and waste streams with scientific analysis of contaminated soil to match radioactive material to its likely generator. He notes that this forensic approach is essential not only for regulators seeking cost recovery, but also for property owners pursuing legal claims, as establishing who generated the waste will be the key factor in holding responsible parties accountable. Tuori further indicates that ongoing fingerprinting efforts are already producing meaningful results and may ultimately provide clear evidence linking contamination to specific historical waste generators.