Environmental Law Firm - Hudson Valley, Westchester, New York

Environmental Law

The founding of Keane & Beane, P.C. in 1980 coincided with the emergence of modern federal and state environmental laws. Thus, our attorneys have been leaders in this practice area from the outset and continue to be at the forefront of emerging trends including brownfield redevelopment, sustainable development, alternative energy sources and green construction. We have successfully litigated landmark cases involving New York State environmental review requirements.

With clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and homeowners, our environmental expertise extends to:

Superfund and Hazardous Waste Litigation

Keane & Beane represents clients in federal and state courts against claims seeking cost recovery under CERCLA, RCRA, the state Hazardous Waste Laws and common law claims. Fortune 500 companies have engaged us in complex federal environmental litigation arising out of hazardous waste issues at landfills, former factories and other dumping grounds.

Transactional Due Diligence

The purchase and sale of real property and business assets require Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) to identify recognized environmental contaminants. Our attorneys work with environmental consultants to ensure due diligence and appropriate liability protection for clients.

Brownfield Redevelopment

In conjunction with our Land Use and Real Estate practice groups, we advise clients on the redevelopment of contaminated properties and guide them through the New York State Brownfield’s Program, its environmental liability protections and tax credits. We also counsel clients under New York State’s Voluntary Clean Up Program.

Gasoline & Heating Oil Tanks

Clients seek our advice on the liabilities of underground oil tanks and compliance with local, state and federal regulations. We negotiate Orders on Consent with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Westchester County Department of Health and other agencies. Our attorneys also assist with applications to the NYS Oil Spill Fund and defend and prosecute recovery claims under the NYS Navigation Law.

Environmental Insurance

We assist clients in purchasing tank insurance, environmental liability and pollution clean up insurance. We have also successfully obtained legal defense costs and indemnification for liability for environmental contamination from insurance policies issued in the past.

Toxic Torts

Our practice includes defending parties alleged to have caused personal injuries or property damage from environmental contaminants, such as dry cleaning fumes, petroleum, or industrial chemicals.

Mold & Water Intrusion

Our attorneys counsel cooperatives and condominiums, landlords, commercial and private residential property owners on the legal liabilities arising from mold and water damage.

Green Construction & Sustainable Development

Today’s land redevelopment and new construction requires an understanding of their impact on the environment. Our attorneys guide public and private sector clients in sustainable development practices.

Important Advantages For Clients

Environmental issues reach far and wide, impacting real estate, business purchases and sales, land redevelopment, transaction financing, estate planning, and litigation. Our attorneys’ extensive knowledge and their ability to collaborate with colleagues in our Land Use & Zoning and Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice groups provides clients with seamless representation on complex issues—a rarity in regional law firms.