Experience
Defended Company Performing Cleanup at Superfund Site
Defended company who performed $28 million environmental cleanup of PCBs, asbestos and TCE at Superfund site, formerly used for automotive manufacturing, under Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent. The site is located in a residential area and will be transformed into a recreational facility.
Representation of Manufacturing Company in Soil and Groundwater Cleanups
Represented manufacturing company in soil and multi-plume groundwater cleanups of PCBs and solvents in Missouri. Persuaded EPA to pursue separate source of groundwater contamination. Site is located in close proximity to drinking water wellfield.
Six Citations Vacated for Electrical Equipment Manufacturer
Defended manufacturer of electrical equipment in OSHA evidentiary hearing where issues all involved possible electrocution hazards associated with high voltage equipment. The Administrative Law Judge vacated all six citations that were issued.
Successful Outcome in Cases Related to Misinterpretation, Misapplication of Lockout/Tagout Standard
Defended numerous employers in cases in which OSHA was persuaded that it misinterpreted or misapplied the lockout/tagout standard.
$34 Million Company Asset Sale
Represented a client in the $34 million sale of client assets and related companies. This was a multi-state transaction of the largest producer and distributor of rubber mulch in the United States.
Favorable Result for Company Cited in Violation of OSHA Silica PEL
Defended company that received citation alleging exceedance of OSHA’s silica PEL. Convinced OSHA the sample results were invalid, resulting in withdrawal of citation.
Secured Withdrawal of OSHA Citations for Manufacturing Client
Defended company that received two willful citations under OSHA lead standard when manufacturing with leaded brass. OSHA withdrew both willful citations.
Secured Withdrawal of OSHA Citations Relating to Hexavalent Chrome Standard
Defended company that received 14 citations under OSHA's hexavalent chrome standard, including alleged exceedance of PEL. OSHA withdrew 12 of 14 citations.
Reduced Penalties for Dairy Farm in Fatalities Following OSHA SVEP Placement
Defended dairy farm in two separate fatality cases that resulted in repeat OSHA citations and placement on OSHA Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP). At conclusion of negotiation, company was removed from SVEP and penalties were cut by 75%.
Defended Magnesium Recycler in EPA Cost Recovery Action
Defended magnesium recycler in EPA cost recovery action in Pennsylvania including negotiating consent decree and private party allocation.
Successfully Resolved Matter for Company in OSHA Severe Violator Enforcement Program
Defended company placed in OSHA Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP) involving combustible dust explosion and serious injuries. The case was settled with no willful violations and the company was removed from SVEP.
Citations Vacated for Client in Fatality Involving Construction Crane
Defended company in an OSHA evidentiary hearing involving a fatality on a crane. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge vacated all citations.
Citations Vacated for Client in OSHA Evidentiary Hearing
Defended company in OSHA evidentiary hearing in which company asserted that installation of wood trusses constituted steel erection. Administrative Law Judge agreed and vacated the citations.
No Prosecution for Client in Multiple Fatality Case Referred to the U.S. Attorney
Defended a company in a multiple fatality case that resulted in an OSHA referral to the U.S. Attorney for prosecution. After meeting with the U.S. Attorney, no prosecution resulted.
No Willful Violations in Case Involving Availability of Rescue Boat
Defended company in OSHA evidentiary hearing involving facility and availability of rescue boat. The Administrative Law Judge determined violation was not willful.
Defense of Construction Company in OSHA Evidentiary Hearing
Defended a construction company in an OSHA evidentiary hearing and established the affirmative defense of supervisory employee misconduct. Administrative law judge vacated the citation.
Defended Publicly Traded Company in Cleanup of VOCs, Lead
Represented publicly traded company performing environmental cleanup of VOCs and lead under the Unilateral Administrative Order at a wildlife refugee in Illinois that was a WWII ordnance plant.
No Negligence in MSHA Mine Fatality
Persuaded MSHA to make a determination of no negligence in a mine fatality in which the employee was struck by equipment being hoisted.
No Negligence in MSHA Fatality
Persuaded MSHA to make a determination of no negligence in a mine fatality in which an employee became pinned inside a piece of equipment.
Multimillion-Dollar Settlement for Publicly Traded Railroad Facing Environmental Claims
Obtained multimillion-dollar settlement for a publicly traded railroad in environmental claims involving diesel fuel and PCB spills, and numerous signal battery disposal sites against predecessor in interest.
Successfully Defended Contractor in Arbitration Against Seven-Figure Claim
Defended general contractor in seven-figure claim brought by an asbestos contractor in arbitration. Arbitrator’s award to asbestos contractor was 5% of the amount sought and was less than the general contractor had offered in settlement.
Successfully Defended Used Oil Recycler Following Alleged Sale of Contaminated Oil
Defended used oil recycler in sale of alleged contaminated oil to customer. Jury awarded recycler all costs for unpaid shipments of oil, and awarded $3,000 to customer after four-day trial.
No Willful Violations for Publicly Traded Company
Defended publicly traded company in a two-week OSHA evidentiary hearing involving multiple alleged willful violations at a meat plant. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge determined there were no willful violations.
Defended Client in Waste Regulation Action Affirmed on Appeal
Defended client in an action against the Missouri Air Conservation Commission. The judge invalidated Missouri medical waste, industrial waste and sewage sludge incinerator regulations in the first of the “no stricter than” cases brought under the Missouri Clean Air Act. The decision was affirmed on appeal by the Missouri Court of Appeals.
