Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a category of several thousand human-made chemicals, have been used for decades in consumer and industrial applications. As more is learned about them, including their resistance to...more
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a focal point of regulatory scrutiny nationwide due to their persistent environmental presence and potential health risks. For businesses, navigating the evolving...more
On April 19, 2024, EPA issued its long-awaited Final Rule officially listing two key per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or so-called “forever chemicals,” as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive...more
The CEQA process can be daunting, but being appropriately informed by a knowledgeable guide will create opportunity and cost savings throughout the life of a project. Participate in this dynamic discussion and gain insights...more
A key component to the success of any RNG project is ensuring there is a regulatory plan established at the outset. Industrial Approval - While Alberta does not currently have a legislative framework that is specific...more
As regulation of vapor intrusion continues to evolve and escalate costs at contaminated sites, due diligence practices for vapor intrusion must also continue to evolve. Potential purchasers should consider supplementing a...more
On December 15, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Final Rule, entitled "Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries," updating the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment...more
Every eight years, standards for environmental Phase I reports are updated – and, typically, made more detailed and stringent. The standards were most recently updated in 2021, and the updated version was approved by the U.S....more
Purchasers of contaminated property are often familiar with obtaining a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in the hopes of maintaining the CERCLA bona fide prospective purchaser defense, but sometimes they overlook...more
On February 13, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule amending the All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) rule took effect. Under the new rule, prospective purchasers of contaminated property can use ASTM...more
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (“ESA”) is the quintessential environmental diligence tool for transactions involving real property. A Phase I ESA includes a site inspection and review of current and past uses and...more
Last month, I had the pleasure of participating in a roundtable discussion regarding “Transactional Real Estate and Environmental Due Diligence” co-hosted by Primerus and Association of Corporate Counsel. I don’t know about...more
For transactions in 2023 and going forward, parties who purchase property will want to be aware of an update applicable to Phase I reports. By final rule issued on December 15, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...more
On December 15, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule recognizing ASTM E1527-21 as the new standard for performing a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (“ESA”)....more
The United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") adopted an updated standard of practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments on December 15, 2022. The updated standard adds more refined investigation and...more
Lenders need to consider the scope and extent of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (“Phase I ESA”) they routinely utilize in connection with the acquisition and financing of real estate projects. The Environmental...more
For many years, it has been standard practice for prospective purchasers and even tenants to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (“ESA”) before acquiring a new property interest. This is for two important reasons:...more
Conducting environmental due diligence and considering a project’s impact on the environment are essential in acquiring or permitting utility-scale solar projects in Virginia. This was underscored by the Virginia Department...more
On March 14, 2022, EPA published a Direct Final Rule and a Proposed Rule that would incorporate ASTM International’s (“ASTM”) updated standard for conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (“Phase I ESAs”) into EPA’s...more
On March 14, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a direct final rule approving ASTM International (ASTM) Standard E1527-21 as an additional standard meeting the all appropriate inquiry (AAI)...more
As covered in my previous post, the ASTM International (ASTM) released a revised standard for conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESAs) – ASTM E1527-21. While the E1527-21 standard has been available...more
When it comes to pre-acquisition environmental due diligence, a properly prepared Phase I ESA is the ounce of prevention that is worth a pound of cure. Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (“Phase I ESA”) are a routine due...more
- The COVID-19 crisis has left consultants, lenders, servicers, investors and other users struggling to assess environmental conditions of assets as they question the ability to conduct, and the utility of, phase I...more
With recent changes in state and federal leadership, as well as continuing developments from the Trump Administration, this seminar is a must-attend event for anyone involved in land use, zoning, environmental permitting,...more
Step by step, inch by inch. Slowly but diligently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been working to clarify what standards and practices may be used for conducting “all appropriate inquiries” (AAI) under the...more