When a responsible party agrees to clean up a contaminated site under many programs, the government often demands that it provide financial assurance for the completion of the work. When hazardous substances will remain on the site, the site may require response in perpetuity. Can one specify an amount of financial assurance to secure the forever cleanup? Earlier this spring, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court considered that question in a case involving cleanup of a site in Ford City. See PennEnvironment v. Department of Environmental Protection, No. 566 C.D. 2024 (Pa. Commw. Ct. Mar. 11, 2025).

Continue reading the full article, published by The Legal Intelligencer July 8, 2025. 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