Recovery of Natural Resource Damages: Emerging Trends
Analyzing EPA, OPA and CERCLA Roles in NRD Assessments and the Implications of Recent Litigation for Future Claims
Recording of a 90-minute CLE webinar with Q&A
This CLE course will provide environmental counsel with a review of emerging trends in natural resource damage recovery, discuss new developments in NRD assessments, and analyze the EPA's role under OPA and CERCLA in assessments. The panel will review current NRD suits and the potential impact on future claims.
Outline
- NRD Assessments in the Recovery Process
- The EPA’s role
- CERLCA
- OPA
- Current trends in assessments
- Cooperative assessments
- Other trends
- The EPA’s role
- NRD Recovery Litigation
- Federal litigation
- State litigation
- Implications for future recovery claims and actions
- Other new developments impacting NRD Recovery
Benefits
The panel will review these and other key questions:
- When should a cooperative assessment be performed?
- How does the EPA view its role as notifier and coordinator under CERLCA and OPA in the assessment and recovery process?
- What current federal and state cases are likely to impact future NRD claims?
Following the speaker presentations, you'll have an opportunity to get answers to your specific questions during the interactive Q&A.
Faculty

Sarah F. Peterman
Atty
Farella Braun + Martel
She focuses on environmental and natural resources litigation and counseling in environmental enforcement actions,... | Read More
She focuses on environmental and natural resources litigation and counseling in environmental enforcement actions, cost recovery litigation, citizen suits, complex toxic tort litigation, product liability litigation, private attorneys general actions, and administrative proceedings. She has experience in litigation and ADR under the Clean Water Act, CERCLA, NEPA and CEQA, Prop 65, RCRA and ESA.
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Robert L. Hines
Partner
Farella Braun + Martel
He represents clients in complex governmental and private litigation and enforcement actions, including state and... | Read More
He represents clients in complex governmental and private litigation and enforcement actions, including state and federal cost recovery actions, natural resource damage claims, air and water and hazardous waste actions, and multi-media agency proceedings. He provides regulatory representation and compliance counseling.
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