Charlie’s Presentation: SESVIS 4 – Recent Legal Developments Regarding TCE Exposure Liability and _Risk-Based_ Closures
Charles M. Denton is a partner in the Atlanta and Michigan offices of Barnes & Thornburg LLP and immediate past chair of the firm’s national Environmental Law Department. He focuses his practice on environmental agency enforcement defense, toxic torts and class action litigation, “Brownfields” redevelopment, compliance counseling, insurance coverage, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). He serves on the Board for the Georgia Chapter of Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), is a member of the Georgia Brownfield Association, and the Environmental Law Section of the Georgia Bar; he is also active with the American Bar Association including as past chair of the ABA Environmental Litigation Committee and service on the ABA Section of Litigation’s Council. Mr. Denton is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as in Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin state courts. Mr. Denton received his A.B. summa cum laude in 1978 from Ohio University, and his J.D. in 1981 from the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. Denton can be reached at (616) 742-3974 or cdenton@btlaw.com.
Presentation Abstract: Vapor Intrusion clean-ups are challenging, but owners, developers and consultants need to also be aware of litigation risks from “risk-based” closures. This presentation by environmental litigation partner Charlie Denton will discuss and review pitfalls from environmental continuing due care obligations, and from migrating vapor intrusion toxic tort claims. What sorts of remedies are being ordered by courts in these lawsuits, and what is the significance of a class action? Moreover, as federal and state agencies are perceived to be more business friendly, non-governmental organizations are raising record funds and pursuing novel environmental citizens’ suits, as well as filing judicial challenges to environmental rulemaking. Can insurance help manage these risks? How can you balance these lawsuit risks against the feasible remedial alternatives?
Charlie’s contact info: Phone: (616) 742-3974 E-mail: cdenton@btlaw.com.
Charlie’s Presentation Time: Day 2 – 8:30-9:15 – Environmental Enforcement Litigation Risks Arising from Vapor Intrusion Sites – Charlie Denton, Barnes &Thornburg LLP