Intuitively, contamination reduces the value of property. But intuition does not count as evidence. The issues of how one proves that one ought to take a discount from a property’s “clean” value for tax, eminent domain, or other valuation purposes, how big that discount ought to be, and how long it ought to last remain vexing. Last month the Commonwealth Court offered some guidance in Tank Car Corporation of America v. Springfield Township, No. 143 C.D. 2021 (Pa. Commw. Ct. Oct. 19, 2023).

Continue reading the full article, published by The Legal Intelligencer Nov. 16, 2023. Reprinted with permission.

*The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Greenberg Traurig or its clients.

Photo of David Mandelbaum David Mandelbaum

David G. Mandelbaum represents clients facing problems under the environmental laws and serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice. He regularly represents clients in lawsuits and has also helped clients achieve satisfactory outcomes through regulatory negotiation or private transactions. David teaches Superfund…

David G. Mandelbaum represents clients facing problems under the environmental laws and serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice. He regularly represents clients in lawsuits and has also helped clients achieve satisfactory outcomes through regulatory negotiation or private transactions. David teaches Superfund, and Oil and Gas Law in rotation at the Temple Law School. He teaches the Superfund course at Suffolk (Boston) Law School as well. David is a Fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers.

Concentrations

  • Air, water and waste regulation
  • Superfund and contamination
  • Climate change
  • Oil and gas development
  • Water rights