Knowing in advance what steps must be taken to develop property protects you against undue risk, unforeseen cost and delay. We assist purchasers, sellers and lenders in identifying environmental and permitting red flags and assessing appropriate responses. Our training and experience enables us to conduct a thorough investigation into the historical and present uses of the property and adjacent land. We dig deep to find even the most obscure records in long-forgotten archives to ascertain prior uses and property history.
For potential purchasers, we help you identify environmental issues before you buy. We direct exhaustive site reconnaissance to identify any visible signs of contamination or issues of compliance, including those resulting from asbestos, lead paint and other interior issues. We perform regulatory file and compliance reviews. We make sure that you fully understand the appropriate measures you will be required to take in order to protect yourself from liability. We assist in recommending cost-effective solutions as part of the transaction.
For sellers, we identify and manage existing environmental problems and help you develop creative solutions to facilitate the sale. We also work routinely with lenders, reviewing environmental site assessments in order to advise them on the risks associated with a loan. We have a thorough understanding of environmental insurance and pollution legal liability coverage and are able to help our clients obtain appropriate policies. Our attorneys also advise clients on compliance with Connecticut’s Transfer Act. We also advise on whether options exist under the state’s voluntary remediation programs, the availability of covenants not to sue, and institutional controls such as environmental land use restrictions so that timing, costs and risks may be deliberately managed.