
Increased environmental awareness is having a profound impact on our society. Businesses must cope with comprehensive local, state and federal environmental regulations. Land use decisions and virtually all real estate transactions must include consideration of potential environmental impacts and liability. Historical agricultural, industrial and disposal practices over several generations are now subject to question.
Environmental matters require both legal and scientific expertise. Attorneys today often deal directly with local environmental health departments, regional water quality control boards, state toxic substance control employees and federal environmental protection officials. An understanding of regulatory requirements, as well as air, soil and groundwater technology, is now essential to proper client representation. The environmental impacts of land use decisions, including the approval of new development, general and specific plans and zone designations, must be considered by public agency officials, primarily through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A thorough familiarity with CEQA, including the environmental impact report process, is critical to effective client representation.
For more than a decade, Nordman Cormany Hair & Compton LLP has developed environmental expertise for the benefit of its broad-based clientele, and is dedicated to the ongoing development of this expertise. The attorneys in the Environmental Law Group are involved in virtually all aspects of environmental representation.
Where specific scientific expertise is necessary, Nordman Cormany Hair & Compton LLP utilizes reliable technical advisers who routinely consult with the Environmental Law Group on matters involving soil chemistry, hydrogeology, air emissions and hazardous waste. Where necessary, those expert services include formulation of economically feasible work plans, site testing and investigations, and remediation alternatives.
The attorneys in the Environmental Law Group possess widely acknowledged expertise in CEQA compliance matters, including advice to clients undergoing CEQA review of their projects and challenging projects where there has been inadequate compliance with CEQA. These attorneys have litigated CEQA compliance lawsuits in both trial and appellate courts.
The firm's attorneys consult with clients on regulatory compliance issues concerning underground tanks containing fuel or hazardous substances. The firm has advised numerous clients involved with underground tank cleanups.
Landowners and businesses must recognize and responsibly address potential environmental hazards on their properties and in the workplace. Nordman Cormany Hair & Compton LLP's attorneys work with technical consultants to provide environmental audits to its clients and to assist its clients in their compliance with applicable regulations, including notification obligations to regulatory agencies in the event of hazardous substance releases.
The firm's litigation attorneys have very significant experience in the representation of individuals and businesses in both the administrative and judicial aspects of toxic tort litigation. The firm provides advice concerning remedial investigations and clean-up actions initiated by governmental agencies. The attorneys also develop strategies for general litigation and trial, offer advice on complex environmental insurance coverage issues and assist in hiring expert witnesses.
The attorneys in the Environmental Law Group work on the analysis and remediation of contaminated properties. In conjunction with technical consultants, these attorneys deal directly with governmental agencies and recommend a variety of remediation approaches.
Nordman Cormany Hair & Compton LLP's attorneys are familiar with air quality, water quality, and wastewater and pretreatment issues. They offer advice and representation to clients who must obtain appropriate permits from public agencies or who are facing enforcement actions.
The firm's attorneys routinely represent and advise parties on environmental issues affecting the purchase, sale or transfer of property.