Environmental Litigation & Administrative Actions

Our environmental attorneys have substantial trial and dispute resolution experience with defending civil and criminal enforcement actions, environmental claims and CERCLA/Superfund matters. We represent clients challenging or defending permit issuances or denials and other administrative actions.

Our attorneys have experience with:

  • Defense and resolution of government enforcement actions.
  • Environmental litigation and dispute resolution.
  • Environmental citizen suit actions.
  • CERCLA/Superfund cost recovery, litigation and administrative actions.
  • Environmental enforcement and defense of environmental issues arising from commercial acquisitions and other transactions.
  • Environmental permitting and appeals.
  • False environmental marketing claims.
  • Natural resource damage claims.
  • Toxic tort litigation.
  • Nuisance and trespass claims related to environmental conditions.
  • Litigating insurance coverage disputes arising from environmental claims.
  • Class actions arising out of alleged contamination of water, land, and air.
  • Defending criminal charges arising from alleged violations of environmental laws.
  • Land use-related litigation arising from mining operations, including remediation plans, water releases, and subsidence issues.

Representative Matters

  • Successfully defended an integrated oil company in cost recovery litigation in which the client was dismissed from litigation involving 31 other companies.
  • Obtained a judgment in favor of a client, finding the seller to be required to indemnify the client for past environmental liabilities in a public agency’s action to enforce environmental liabilities.
  • Defended one of the largest privately owned U.S. companies against criminal and civil enforcement actions, citizen suits, and a natural resource damage claim due to the largest release of hazardous waste in a Missouri waterway.
  • Defended mineral manufacturers involved in a cost-recovery action in Superfund litigation and civil enforcement proceedings.
  • Defended multiple toxic tort lawsuits due to alleged exposure to petroleum products, petroleum additives, salt cake, and aluminum.
  • Successfully prosecuted environmental indemnification claims against a contractor that mishandled an international electronics company's product materials designated for recycling.
  • Successfully defended a refinery operator from CERCLA contribution claims.
  • Successfully defended a class action suit alleging environmental trespass from contaminant migration.
  • Successfully defended an energy company in suit asserting migration from alleged underground storage tank release.
  • Successfully defended a refining company from state Environmental Protection Act contribution claims.
  • Represented alleged “generators” in a $20 million CERCLA cleanup case involving electronic waste streams designated for recycling.