Ryan Whaley Coldiron Shandy

Ryan Whaley Coldiron Shandy was a Platinum Sponsor for this year’s Oklahoma Brownfields Conference, which took place April 28-29, 2010 at the Historic Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Downtown Oklahoma City. This was the second consecutive year that RWCS has sponsored the Conference.

In addition to sponsoring the conference, several RWCS attorneys presented during the Conference’s second day. Specifically, RWCS attorneys Mark Coldiron and Stephen Jantzen, along with Byron Starns of the firm Leonard, Street & Deinard of Minneapolis, presented “Session 5B: Courtroom Classics: Preserving Cost Recovery Rights.” The presentation was accompanied by a paper co-authored by the Mark Coldiron, Stephen Jantzen, and Byron Starns along with RWCS associate Ivan London. The paper, titled “Preserving Claims to Recoup Response Costs during Brownfields Redevelopment,” and the PowerPoint presentation can be viewed by clicking the following links:

"Preserving Claims to Recoup Response Costs during Brownfields Redevelopment"

PowerPoint Presentation

In addition, Stephen Jantzen moderated “Session 3A: Sustainable Development: Non-Profits LEED by Example.” During that session, the panel discussed the legal and employment implications for “Green Building”, particularly as the topic relates to Oklahoma.

Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. These often include abandoned or unused commercial and industrial facilities. Redevelopment of Brownfields properties have become a focus for many municipalities, real estate developers and environmental groups due to their revitalization of blighted areas, reuse of strategically located property, and environmental protection.

The 2010 Oklahoma Brownfields Conference gave participants the opportunity to explore the environmental, economical and social benefits of Brownfields redevelopment. Key public and private sector leaders presented their experiences and shared resources regarding, among other things, technical and regulatory considerations, financial incentives, liability protection, and economic development tools.

For more information on the conference please visit: http://www.oklahomabrownfields.com

For more information on Oklahoma’s Brownfields program please visit: http://www.deq.state.ok.us/LPDnew/brownfindex.html