Typically, if we are representing a client with regard to an environmental matter, we are very concerned that regulatory requirements and deadlines be met in order to avoid punitive measures by the NJDEP in the form of penalties.  In some cases, however, we are not retained until a client has already received a penalty notice from the State.  If that is the case, we are careful to abide by hearing request deadlines and appeal deadlines, along with negotiating zealously on our client’s behalf.  In this manner we have achieved a great deal of success for clients in terms of helping them to avoid penalties as well as achieving success in negotiating down the amount of penalties which have already been assessed.

Gas Stations

On several occasions we have been able to negotiate with major oil companies to clean up properties which were operated and/or owned by our clients.  In one case, the client had purchased the gasoline tanks from the franchisor/oil company, yet we were still able to force them to take responsibility for the entire remediation of the property without the need to file any litigation.

The following are just a few of the examples of how I have helped clients, most of which had no idea they even had insurance coverage to cover the cost of NJDEP required site cleanups: