___In the early days of environmental law, the primary focus was understanding chemicals and environmental effects, evaluating known conditions of contamination, and developing remedial investigation and remedial action plans.  As those challenges have continued, more work over the years has been required for the implementation of RD/RAs and movement of site cleanups into O&M.

In recent years, I have begun to work more with clients on identifying paths toward closure of sites and achieving closure.  This approach can require additional effort in some cases, but is designed to draw to a close the remedial process that often can seem unending.  Closure can stop the expenditure of cleanup funds and legal defense funds, as well as enabling a company to remove the cost of closure from reserves, end the necessity of financial assurance, and work toward the transfer of interests without the complication or hindrance of an ongoing cleanup.