Introduction
Thomas F. P. Sullivan’s “Environmental Law Handbook” serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding the complexities of environmental legislation in the United States. The 2018 edition sheds light on the regulatory framework, key statutes, recent legal trends, and practical applications necessary for compliance and advocacy. This summary encapsulates the major points of each chapter along with corresponding actions that individuals and organizations can take.

I. Overview of Environmental Law

Major Point: Evolution and Framework
– Details: The book begins with the historical evolution of environmental law, from common law principles to modern statutory frameworks. It outlines foundational regulation such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
– Action: Individuals can stay informed about the legislative history and foundational acts to better understand current regulations. Referring to primary documents and comprehensive legal commentaries can serve as an educational foundation.

Example: NEPA’s requirements for Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) establish a precedent for agencies to account for environmental consequences in decision-making.

II. Air Quality Regulation

Major Point: Clean Air Act (CAA)
– Details: The book extensively details the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), State Implementation Plans (SIPs), and the permitting process for stationary and mobile sources of air contaminants.
– Action: Businesses can ensure their operations comply with CAA by conducting regular emissions audits and adhering to state and federal permit requirements.

Example: A manufacturing plant should perform an emissions inventory to confirm adherence to the NAAQS and implement control technologies to minimize pollutants.

III. Water Quality Regulation

Major Point: Clean Water Act (CWA)
– Details: Sullivan explains the provisions of the Clean Water Act, which aims to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. This includes effluent limitation guidelines and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
– Action: Organizations can conduct frequent water testing and maintain records of discharge to ensure compliance with NPDES.

Example: A wastewater treatment facility can implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutant levels entering natural water bodies, enhancing compliance with CWA standards.

IV. Contaminated Land and Brownfield Sites

Major Point: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
– Details: The book outlines CERCLA, often known as Superfund, dealing with the cleanup of contaminated sites. It discusses liability, site assessments, and the roles and responsibilities of potentially responsible parties (PRPs).
– Action: Property owners and developers can conduct Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) before acquiring new properties to identify potential contamination and avoid liability.

Example: Investing in brownfield redevelopment can be mitigated by ensuring proper site characterization and leveraging government grants and tax incentives for remediation projects.

V. Waste Management

Major Point: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
– Details: In addressing hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, the book describes the RCRA, which governs the treatment, storage, and disposal of waste. It emphasizes on ‘cradle-to-grave’ tracking of hazardous waste.
– Action: Companies producing hazardous waste can adopt rigorous tracking systems and implement waste minimization programs to comply with RCRA and reduce environmental impact.

Example: An industrial facility can set up a waste segregation process to ensure proper classification and disposal, minimizing hazardous waste through recycling and recovery options.

VI. Chemical Regulation

Major Point: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
– Details: Sullivan elaborates on TSCA’s requirements for chemical manufacturers to report and retain data on chemical substances and manage risks associated with toxic chemicals.
– Action: Manufacturers can prioritize the evaluation of chemicals used in production to ensure compliance with TSCA inventory requirements and reduce toxic exposure.

Example: Regularly updating safety data sheets (SDSs) and conducting risk assessments on new chemicals can aid in maintaining compliance and safeguarding public health.

VII. Wildlife and Natural Resources Protection

Major Point: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
– Details: The book explains the ESA, which aims to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats. It involves measures like habitat conservation plans (HCPs) to balance development and conservation.
– Action: Developers and project planners can conduct biological assessments to determine the presence of protected species and develop HCPs to mitigate impact.

Example: For a new infrastructure project, conducting an initial species survey and coordinating with conservation authorities can ensure compliance with the ESA while accommodating developmental needs.

VIII. Pesticide Regulation

Major Point: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
– Details: This section covers pesticide regulation under FIFRA, detailing registration, labeling, and usage restrictions aimed at ensuring safety for human health and the environment.
– Action: Agricultural businesses can implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize pesticide use and adhere to proper application guidelines.

Example: Farmers conducting pesticide application training for workers and adopting natural pest control methods help in aligning with FIFRA’s safety directives.

IX. Occupational Safety and Health

Major Point: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations
– Details: Sullivan addresses the intersection of environmental law and workplace safety. It focuses on regulations to prevent occupational exposure to hazardous substances.
– Action: Employers can establish comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) programs to monitor and mitigate the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.

Example: Regular safety audits and employee training programs on hazardous material handling can foster a safer work environment, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.

X. Climate Change Legislation

Major Point: Emerging Policies and Carbon Regulation
– Details: The book discusses the evolving landscape of climate change legislation, including the implications of carbon trading schemes and renewable energy policies.
– Action: Businesses can adopt energy-efficient practices, invest in renewable energy, and explore carbon offset programs to align with emerging climate policies.

Example: Corporate sustainability initiatives can include measures such as installing solar panels, participating in carbon markets, and setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

The “Environmental Law Handbook” by Thomas F. P. Sullivan provides a thorough exploration of the principles, statutes, and practical applications of environmental law in the U.S. It emphasizes the importance of compliance, proactive management, and the adoption of sustainable practices to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. By understanding and implementing the guidelines and actions highlighted in this summary, individuals and organizations can effectively contribute to environmental protection and legal compliance.

This structured summary offers actionable insights across the major areas covered in Sullivan’s handbook, helping readers apply the knowledge in practical, compliance-oriented ways.