Environmental
SSE&G is able to assist clients in environmental regulatory matters, from land use planning to industrial operations. Where litigation is the only course, SSE&G is experienced and highly effective in resolving disputes through the civil courts. Regulatory Compliance with environmental regulations is a necessary part of business operations. Whether the concern of is worker safety, smoke stack emissions, or waste disposal, the client may need an attorney to help navigate the myriad laws and regulations. SSE&G attorneys have experience in counseling business clients on most areas of environmental regulation, including waste disposal, hazardous material transportation, hazard communication, and air emissions, to name a few. Our attorneys can also be of assistance on permitting issues. Clients often value the participation of counsel, working as a team with the environmental consultant or the client's in-house environmental staff.
Litigation
Sometimes environmental issues cannot be resolved and litigation results. SSE&G attorneys have defended business clients, and occasionally individuals, in litigation filed by the US EPA and the Ohio EPA related to enforcement of the Superfund statute and other remedial statutes. SSE&G attorneys have represented owners and operators of contaminated property, as well as generators of hazardous waste. Additionally, the firm has represented businesses in private party contribution actions related to environmental remedial work.
Real Estate/Business Acquisition
Overseeing environmental assessments and evaluating and allocating the environmental risk are important factors in the sale of any industrial property or any ongoing manufacturing business. SSE&G attorneys are experienced in evaluating the environmental issues that can be a part of real estate or business transactions, particularly the sale of contaminated or potentially contaminated property or of ongoing business concerns that use and dispose of hazardous materials in the course of their ordinary operations.
Related Regulatory Areas
Taking a global approach to environmental compliance, SSE&G attorneys will review all of the various agencies and regulations that may affect a company's environmental compliance. Agencies other than the EPA may be involved in enforcing environmental compliance. The Fire Department, OSHA, Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources may all have regulations that impact a particular business operation.
Government Relations
SSE&G attorneys have participated on government-private sector committees concerning environmental issues. One attorney was on a committee writing regulations for the Ohio Voluntary Action Program (Brownfields). Additionally, the SSE&G group includes two municipal law directors who have developed working relationships with local, state and federal agencies.