Recent Blog Posts
Stricter NJDEP Protections for Rivers and Streams
While the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has relaxed some deadlines for pollution response in light of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and its attendant effects on businesses and the economy, the NJDEP is nevertheless hard at work strengthening environmental protections and pursuing enforcement actions. The NJDEP recently passed a set of amendments… Read More »
NJDEP Extends Remediation Deadlines in Response to Coronavirus
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has interrupted every business sector in every part of the country. Many operations have needed to limit their workforce or close operations entirely, causing significant delays in real estate development, manufacturing, and remediation projects. The shutdowns have been mandated by the state and federal governments, especially since New Jersey Governor… Read More »
New Jersey Appellate Court Rules State Can’t Claim Trespass for Water Pollution
We have previously discussed claims brought by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) against Amerada Hess Corp (“Hess”) in connection with alleged groundwater contamination and NJDEP’s remediation efforts. NJDEP recently brought additional claims against Hess for other instances of alleged contamination in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. On top of the New Jersey… Read More »
Statute of Limitations for Spill Act Claims
Generally, most legal claims and lawsuits have a time limit within which the claimant must file in order to retain their legal rights. Claims brought under the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act) should be no different: If the government has grounds to seek compensation after a spill cleanup, they should… Read More »
NJDEP Can Recover Primary Restoration Natural Resource Damage Under Spill Act Regardless of Actual Threat of Harm
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) has broad authority to pursue claims for damages under the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act (the “Spill Act”). According to New Jersey courts, the NJDEP can seek damages for the primary restoration of a natural resource, via an expedited and more expensive restoration plan,… Read More »
When is a Corporate Executive Personally Liable for a Spill Act Claim?
If you discover an underground storage tank (UST) on land owned by your real estate development or other company, you must act quickly, effectively, and appropriately to address the situation. If the UST has a leak, it is vital to undertake appropriate remediation as soon as possible and in accordance with state and federal… Read More »
Ruling Preserves NJDEP Jurisdiction to File Enforcement Action Against Polluters in Municipal Court
On November 13, 2019, the New Jersey Appellate Division issued a decision that has property owners and real estate developers on edge. The matter revolved around which courts have jurisdiction to hear enforcement actions brought by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Based on the decision, defendants in Spill Compensation and Control… Read More »
New Jersey Appellate Division Clarifies Spill Fund Lien Law & Procedure
If you are the owner of a property where an underground storage tank (UST) has leaked, you are responsible for the cleanup. If you later become the owner of a property where a UST previously leaked, the legal and financial responsibilities resulting from the prior leak are a bit muddier. The New Jersey Appellate… Read More »
New Jersey Attorney General, DEP File Multiple “Environmental Justice” Lawsuits
Underground storage tank (UST) leaks do not only lower your property value; they may also open you or your business to significant liability from property owners and government agencies. New Jersey’s Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently brought six new “environmental justice” lawsuits against alleged polluters across the state. At… Read More »
Your UST May Be Lowering Your Property Value
Underground storage tanks (UST) containing potentially hazardous and environmentally destructive materials are incredibly prevalent across the U.S. There are over half a million active USTs and another two million inactive tanks across the country. More than half a million active and inactive USTs have been associated with leaks releasing these chemicals into the environment…. Read More »