Environmental liability analysis and permitting and zoning approvals are critical to the completion of any successful development or the maintenance and expansion of existing businesses. Our environmental and land use attorneys have the unique ability to combine their legal knowledge of relevant laws, practical insight and thorough understanding of government processes necessary to navigate a project to successful completion in order to assist clients in achieving their ultimate goals. The attorneys in this section have a wide range of experience and are recognized as among the best in their practice area.
Although the environmental team can provide a wide range of legal services, our specific areas of expertise are as follows:
Obtaining local zoning approvals
By combining candor, generating citizens' support and encouraging reasonable accommodations for all interests, McCandlish Holton has been able to obtain zoning approvals in record time for many challenging projects. We have obtained zoning approval for residential subdivisions, group homes, manufacturing facilities, wireless communication facilities, shopping centers and commercial developments throughout many jurisdictions in the Commonwealth. As a testimony to our expertise, our firm has often been retained by local governments to defend zoning decisions that have been challenged.
Environmental Permitting
The type of facility and processes employed dictates the federal and/or state environmental permits necessary. The project may require air permits, wetland permits, water withdrawal permits, wastewater treatment and discharge permits, or solid and hazardous waste treatment and disposal permits. McCandlish Holton has successfully obtained all these permits expeditiously. In fact, we hold the "record" for obtaining a PSD Clean Air Act permit and federal and state wetland permits for the largest steel manufacturing facility in Virginia in less than 100 days after submission of complete applications
Environmental Compliance
We also advise local governments and corporations regarding state and federal environmental statutes and regulations. We help determine the applicability of environmental laws to particular situations, as well as analyze how proposed laws and regulations may impact their operations. Furthermore, we work extensively with federal, state and local regulators to resolve environmental issues, and we assist clients in creating practical solutions for complying with applicable laws.
Land Use/Development
Lawyers in our land use and environmental areas focus on the specialized needs of developers, managers and investors in evaluating real estate assets. The firm often advises clients in the acquisition and development of land. The environmental and land use team assists in these transactions by securing the proper zoning, obtaining use and construction permits, identifying compliance and liability issues involved in a specific transaction and conducting environmental due diligence.
Environmental Litigation
Our attorneys are also experienced environmental litigators and have defended utilities, corporations and municipalities against citizen suits under both the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Clean Water Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
Agricultural Consulting
With state and federal regulators turning their focus to implementing stricter controls for the agricultural industry, the environmental section has developed the practical and legal skills necessary to assist farmers in addressing concerns such as water quality impact and permitting, best management practices, and restrictive zoning ordinances. Our team also has experience assisting farmers in non-regulatory aspects of the agricultural industry such as contract negotiations and disputes.
We feel confident in our ability to move projects and cases from concept to implementation to achieve successful results for our clients. |
