30th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School

Dean Mead sponsored the 30th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School once again.

July 19, 2016 – July 22, 2016
Location: Marriott World Center Resort
Address: 8701 World Center Drive Orlando, Florida 32821 | View Map
Booth # 423

The following sessions featured some of Dean Mead’s attorneys as speakers.

Weds., July 20, 2016:  10:30 A.M. – 12:10 P.M.

IMPLEMENTING THE FLORIDA LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION AMENDMENT 

Amendment 1 to the Florida Constitution was approved by 75% of those who voted on the measure in November, 2014.  This very significant amendment provided for 1/3 of the excise tax on documents will continue to flow to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund for a 20-year period, presumably to be used for a variety of existing and proposed water and land protection, and restoration programs.  Our panelists will discuss how the Florida Legislature has decided to further implement the amendment in its third year of existence.  Implementation of the amendment has certainly not been without litigation and controversy and this should be an interesting discussion to say the least!  Come prepared to listen, learn and participate in this timely and important panel discussion.

Cari Roth (Moderator), Dean Mead, Tallahassee Office
Along with: Eric Draper, Greg Munson, Gary Clark, Drew Bartlett, Noah Valenstein

View Cari Roth’s presentation: Amendment 1

Weds., July 20, 2016:  1:30 P.M. – 3:10 P.M.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE PHASE I ESA AND COMPLIANCE WITH AAI & ASTM E1527-13. BONUS: THE EVOLVING USE OF DRONES IN COMPLETING A PHASE I IN FLORIDA AND WHO REGULATES THEM?

Nation-wide, and throughout the community of those who buy, sell or finance real estate, the ASTM E1527-13 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Standard is the most widely used business environmental risk tool in the marketplace.  However, this Standard was not designed as the panacea that it has become.  The Standard is replete with nuances in connection with the CERCLA (Superfund) release definition, activity and use limitations, continuing obligations in connection with the CERCLA defenses, appropriateness of additional file review, and when and how recommendations should be managed. This has created confusion that is affecting the legal, banking and insurance communities who also have strong ties to the real estate marketplace.  This session discusses the ASTM Standards, what they are, what they are not, and how and when to apply them. Get informed from people who wrote the ASTM Standards and routinely provide expert testimony regarding their interpretation and application in the marketplace. Bonus: the use of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) has increased significantly in Florida and we rank fourth in the nation regarding the positive economic impact expected from the use of drones for commercial and environmental studies purposes.  How can you be sure that your company is flying right?  What’s the process for obtaining authorization to fly a drone commercially?  How long does it take to properly register a drone?  This bonus will provide answers to these questions and more.

Anna Long, Dean Mead, Orlando Office
Along with: Robert Stephens, Nick Albergo

View Anna Long’s presentation: DRONES: Reaching New Heights in Environmental Consulting

Thurs., July 21, 2016:  10:30 A.M. – 12:10 P.M.

DEVELOPMENT IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS: STRATEGIES FOR AVOIDING LITIGATION UNDER NEPA, CWA, AND ESA  

Public and private sector projects located near wetlands, endangered species habitat or other protected areas are often opposed by individuals and organizations during permitting proceedings as well as in federal court. Avoiding litigation and building a winning administrative record should litigation become unavoidable, must begin prior to application submittal and continue during application review.  This course is ideal for lawyers, managers and consultants who work on large or controversial projects involving wetlands, endangered species or protected natural resources.

John Wharton, (Moderator), Dean Mead, Tallahassee Office
Along with: Mike Dennis, John Lesman, Kerri Barsh, Gisele Colbert

Thurs., July 21, 2016:  3:30 P.M. – 5:10 P.M.

YOU, ME, AND THE AGENCIES: TECHNIQUES FOR SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION THROUGH COMPLEX REGULATORY SCENARIOS  

An interactive discussion for ensuring sure and positive dialogue when communicating with environmental regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal levels.  Preparation, organization, as well as an understanding of both the regulation and the processes, can go a long way to facilitating a smoother and certainly more positive outcome.  In addition to being technically prepared, knowing the agency representatives, their role in the organization, and their scope of authority can be as critical as having a thorough understanding of the applicability of the various rules and regulations.  Here’s your chance to receive expert advice from four instructors who’ve learned these lessons.

Anna Long, Dean Mead, Orlando Office
Along with: Peter Partlow, Amanda Brock, Doug Halsey

View the panel’s presentation: Maneuvering Through the Regulatory Process: Permitting, Compliance and Enforcement

Fri., July 22, 2016:  8:30 A.M. – 10:10 A.M.

SELLING AND FINANCING OF CONTAMINATED PROPERTIES: WHAT IS THE RISK TOLERANCE OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES? 

While there are definitely incentives for redeveloping properties with perceived or actual environmental concerns, working with lenders in securing financing for the same may present additional challenges.  Hear what the experts working for banks, equity capital, and other sources of finance have to say.  What do lenders and equity investors need to meet their internal lending criteria?  How do they manage environmental risks in their portfolios? Are traditional banks all the same?  What’s available from non-traditional lending sources?  How do they and their attorneys view the recent evolution of FDEP’s institutional controls policy? Our panelists will provide answers to these questions and much, much more!  Join this new and interactive panel discussion as our experts provide insight into funding options and environmental risk management for redevelopment projects.

Anna Long, (Moderator), Dean Mead, Orlando Office
Along with: Mary Hurley, Jennifer Pollock, Ralph DeMeo

Learn more about the 30^th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School.