Every now and then we’re visited by a new client who discovers he bought contaminated property and needs legal help. In almost all of these cases, our client bought the property without first getting advice from an environmental lawyer or conducting adequate environmental due diligence on the property. We’re always glad to help, but the […]
Environmental law matters frequently involve an overlap of and interplay between legal, scientific and business concerns. Translating science into policy and policy into law and the resulting enforcement or interpretation of the law by government agencies and the courts can leave the prospective client frustrated, confused and confounded by the law and its regulators. Adding […]
Today, federal, state and even local agencies in New York enforce environmental laws and regulations designed to help keep the environment clean. Companies find it makes good business sense to have sound environmental practices. There is a culture of environmental awareness and recognition that we should be protective of the environment. It wasn’t that long […]
With so many practiced attorneys, you may be asking yourself why you need to retain an experienced environmental attorney? Failing to consider that question can become an expensive mistake. No one wants to discover a costly environmental problem after closing or learn their indemnification agreement does not address unanticipated costs and expenses or operations cannot […]
You’re working in your office when suddenly one of your employees is at your door: there are a couple of agents from the NYS Department of Conservation at your facility, here to conduct an inspection because the agency received a complaint about your business. What should you do? What can you do? If you manage […]
Petroleum spills are a fairly common occurrence in New York State. By the NYS Department of Conservation’s own estimate, it receives about 16,000 reports annually of spills through its Spill Hotline (800-457-7362). While most of these reports are for releases of small quantities that are cleaned up quickly, some are substantial and require a significant […]