Environmental

Many contaminated sites addressed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) and various state counterparts are well on their way to final remediation. More and more often, natural resource trustees with state, federal and tribal governments are seeking compensation for losses to natural resources allegedly caused by releases of contaminants into the environment. This initiative can result in claims for monetary damages or restoration projects designed to compensate the public and enhance the environment.

The environmental lawyers at Quarles & Brady have been involved in the assessment and defense of claims alleging damages to natural resources. This work has involved the preparation of natural resource damage assessments as well as consultation with qualified environmental consultants and engineers commenting on assessments prepared by natural resource trustees. We have worked extensively on measures designed to value alleged losses as well as the benefits of proposed restoration projects. Our work includes the settlement of natural resource damage claims as well as implementation of restoration projects required by corresponding consent decrees.

Representative Engagements/Experience:

• Representing a paper mill in response to alleged damages associated with the release of PCBs into the Lower Fox River after recycling carbonless copy paper into tissue paper. This representation includes the selection and implementation of significant restoration projects.
  
  
• Representing a former manufacturing operation regarding natural resource damage claims asserted by state trustees at several NPL sites in New Jersey.

For more information on how our Environmental Group can help you address potential or actual environment-related legal and business concerns, please contact Arthur A. Vogel Jr. at (414) 277-5545 or or your local Quarles & Brady attorney.