Environmental Law
Shuman, McCuskey & Slicer, PLLC offers a full array of professional legal services in the field of environmental law throughout West Virginia, with special emphasis in the regulatory law arena. For example, our attorneys assist clients to expedite the often cumbersome permitting process required by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) necessary to obtain NPDES permits (including selenium or mercury effluent discharge calculations) or surface mining permits. Our lawyers work with the appropriate state personnel to get our clients' operations running quickly and smoothly.
When the DEP's Office of Water Resources or Office of Mining and Reclamation makes a decision adverse to the company's interest, we zealously represent the client's position through appeals to the Environmental Quality Board or Surface Mine Board and to the state Circuit Courts and the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, if necessary. Our qualified and experienced attorneys provide full representation with regard to Cessation Orders, Show Cause Orders, and Notices of Violations.
Our firm has further experience with the Office of Explosives and Blasting - the office charged with regulating blasting practices for surface-mining. This office provides a comprehensive claims process allowing citizens to file a claim for damages for blasting practices. Our lawyers are capable of handling all of the administrative issues related to the claims process while our clients continue to work without interruptions or loss in productivity.
Another area where we assist clients is with the state's "brownfields" program. This program was created to allow a second life for previously-used industrial property. Successful brownfield applicants face a much lower chance of having environmental claims arise in the future. We work directly with clients to navigate the complex brownfields program, allowing them to "site" operations in an environmentally friendly area that saves money and potential headaches.
Our firm is also fully qualified to assist clients with environmental issues in the field of Oil and Gas, such as shallow gas well and deep gas well pool or venting issues. On our roster of attorneys is the former counsel to the Chief of the Office of Oil and Gas of the Coalbed Methane Review Board, lending a depth of experience and intimate knowledge of the issues our oil and gas clients are likely to encounter.
Finally, we can assist clients who are in need of Solid Waste site permit approval for solid waste disposal. The firm has experience in this area including permitting assistance for both Class A and Class B facilities and with public notice and hearing requirements.
Related Attorneys:
Negley, Christopher D. / Slicer, William R.
