Environmental
Environmental law is a rapidly changing field, where governing authorities are highly technical and risks can be difficult to assess. Our environmental practice group assists clients in navigating the complex maze of environmental laws and proactively seeking ways to improve business practices. Our practice covers many areas, including:
Environmental Litigation
We have a broad and varied environmental litigation practice and have assisted clients with litigation involving common law nuisance and trespass suits, cost recovery litigation under CERCLA, water use disputes, endangered species takings cases, insurance coverage disputes, and waste management litigation.
Due Diligence in Corporate Transactions
We assist clients in evaluating potential environmental risks and carefully drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, acquisition agreements, and related documents in order to reduce the risks of environmental liability associated with corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.
Natural Resources Conservation
The firm’s lawyers have a long-standing commitment to environmental conservation efforts. Working closely with conservation organizations and community partners, we have assisted clients to protect large tracts of ecologically sensitive land with conservation easement agreements and grants.
Regulatory Compliance, Enforcement, and Permitting
We monitor evolving regulatory requirements, advise clients in agency enforcement actions, and assist clients in navigating the process of applying for and securing environmental permits for various industrial and residential activities, such as mining, waterfront development, and water use.
Real Estate Development/Brownfields
We assist clients in assessing risks of environmental liability in real estate transactions, as well as rehabilitating contaminated sites through the brownfields program. We also advise clients on complying with relevant federal, state and local environmental laws that impact property development, including those applicable to threatened animal and plant species and wetlands.
Recognition
Lawyers in the firm’s environmental practice group are widely recognized for their expertise in the environmental field. Tommy Wyche was the first recipient of the American Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Environmental and Resources Stewardship. Greg English is a contributing author to Environmental Law in South Carolina. Frank Holleman was named Upstate Forever’s Volunteer of the Year for his pro bono conservation efforts.
