Conflict Resoluiton/Communications

Where there is public or agency concern with the real or perceived impacts of a project, Steve provides issue identification, negotiation with affected parties, representation in public and agency meetings, and mediation among affected interests. Such situations arise in the context of alleged violations, where negotiations with permit agencies must be carried out, in the remediation of contaminated sites, where both communica­tions with nearby residents and negotia­tions with potentially responsible parties often are needed, and in the environmental impact review of large or controversial projects, where public presentations and agency liaisons can be the key to success. His assignments in this area have included negotiating consent agreements in lieu of administrative or civil penalty actions on private projects, negotiating appropriate permit conditions for new develop­ment, and ministering to complex lease negotia­tions where potential tenants have environmental concerns. He also has represented clients successfully in negotiations around endangered species and historical resources.