Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. is a Pacific Northwest law firm located in Seattle, Washington. Our clients will tell you we are known for providing exceptional value in legal services by recognizing case objectives early and obtaining cost-effective results. The Carney firm provides legal services in business, litigation, construction, government affairs and insurance to individuals and to privately-held and publicly-traded companies.
Our Environmental and Land Use Practice Group has developed a particular focus in risk transfers. We regularly review real estate agreements, stock purchase agreements, and asset purchase agreements to ensure that clients are protected from environmental liabilities arising out of those transactions.
RCI Environmental, Inc.
Administrative Matters
Carney attorneys represent clients before regulatory agencies, hearing boards, municipal, city and county councils and, if necessary, trial and appellate courts. These contested hearings include appeals regarding permits, regulatory violations, fines and penalties, as well as TROs.
Air Quality
We assist clients with ensuring quality of air within the indoor and outdoor environment. This includes representing clients with issues of toxic odor, mold, and specific contaminants. We confer with technical consultants on compliance audits, emission monitoring and evaluation of site standards.
Brownfields and Cost Recovery
Sites contaminated by hazardous materials can consume tremendous resources for cleanup. As time passes, many of these sites are cleaned up and used for development within our communities which requires strategic planning. Our attorneys help our clients assess costs of cleanup and liability and search for other responsible parties to contribute to the cleanup. We also work with financial institutions regarding land acquisition for future development or disposition.
Energy and Utilities
As utilities expand, they become subject to more rigid environmental air quality controls. Carney attorneys represent these utilities in planning to meet these requirements, and when necessary represent them before regulatory agencies, trial courts and appellate courts.
Fish and Wildlife
Almost all development has the potential to impact the environment. Fish and wildlife are of particular concern in the Northwest. Our attorneys represent clients in planning development to minimize the impact on the environment. Our attorneys work with clients to ensure they are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and other regulatory agencies. We also represent them before administrative boards and trial and appellate courts.
Green Building and Renovation
In 2000, Seattle became the first city in the nation to mandate that new civic buildings comply with U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Green Building Rating System. In 2005 the Washington State Legislature followed suit by requiring that all major public facilities projects meet or exceed the LEED Silver standard. With several of its attorneys certified as LEED Accredited Professionals, Carney is able help clients navigate the green building rating systems and sustainable building mandates. We assist clients in contract negotiation and drafting for all phases of development, and also protect our client's interests when disputes arise concerning certification, design and construction of green projects.
Hazardous Waste and Toxic Tort
Carney attorneys have extensive experience resolving hazardous materials and pollution disputes. In particular, our attorneys have significant experience with issues arising out of statutes including MTCA, CERCLA and RCRA and can also represent clients in making claims for insurance. Toxic Tort litigation arising out of exposure to hazardous materials includes asbestos, industrial chemicals and treated lumber.
Land Use
Carney's Land Use Practice Group represents both public and private sector clients, including counties and municipalities, property owners, and developers throughout Washington state. We focus on a wide range of issues arising out of federal, state and local regulation, including property acquisition, permitting for development, property rights, and condemnation.
Natural Resource Damage and Marine Pollution
Protecting natural resources is particularly important in the Northwest. Our attorneys assist clients in developing plans to protect natural resources and work with them to insure they are in compliance with current laws, regulations and ordinances. We also assist our clients when they must respond to catastrophic releases of hazardous substances.
Solid Waste Management
Solid waste disposal increases year after year, highlighting the need for alternative means to dispose of it. We work with clients in programs to reduce waste, and respond to potential hazardous substance matters and transportation issues relating to relocation. We counsel clients regarding management and development of landfill sites.
Water Rights
Carney attorneys help our clients and their businesses achieve their water supply goals. This includes water permits, water reuse and reclaimed water and transfer of water rights.