Overview

Our lawyers have a unique understanding of environmental law. Through our work with the full spectrum of clients, from government and regulators to private sector clients, we are able to view environmental law from all perspectives. From shaping the landscape of environmental law, to helping businesses ensure regulatory compliance, our environmental lawyers provide the highest quality, specialist advice.

We collaborate closely with specialist teams from across the firm including health and safety, planning, energy and disputes to secure the most effective outcomes for our clients. Our environmental law clients include, on the public sector side, government departments, non-departmental public bodies, environmental regulators and, in the private sector, large multinationals, SMEs and private individuals.

Our legal experts advise on all aspects of environmental law including representation in prosecutions and we have a large dedicated environmental litigation team. We advise on risk and remediation, project support and bespoke environmental issues.

Areas of focus

Our environmental law expertise covers the following areas:

  • Product stewardship.
  • Energy efficiency.
  • Regulatory investigations and enforcement.
  • Site closure and divestment.
  • Environmental disputes.
  • Carbon law.
  • Environmental risk management.
  • Environmental compliance.
  • Water law.
  • Resource and waste management.
Experience

Advising the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on a £200 million deal for the extension of a nuclear new build land option agreement for the Moorside site to Toshiba Corporation and GDF SUEZ.

Advising a large national charity on its potential liabilities for a historic dredging tip in the context of a significant CPO.

Advising a US manufacturer on ensuring its products are compliant for the EU market under REACH and BPR.

Advising a UK importer in a regulatory investigation when its products were discovered to be non-compliant with RoHS.

Representing a petrochemicals company in a pan-European investigation into its products conducted by the Dutch police.

Representing a major ship maintenance business in a prosecution for pollution of harbour waters.

Advising ENGIE on the closure and divestment of its 210MWe gas fired combined heat and power station at Shotton. We advised on the sale of the assets to an ultimate oversees buyer, the site clearance and demolition contracts, the surrender of the environmental permit and other environmental controls, compliance with planning conditions and negotiating the surrender of the lease to the landlord.

Acting for insolvency practitioners from one of the big four accountancy firms in the resolution of a complex contaminated land issue in North East England.

Advising on a multi-million pound claim for pollution of drinking water in a small island state.

Defending a UK port in a claim for damages for coastal erosion.

Representing a consortium of manufacturers in one of the first data sharing disputes before the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki.

Advising a sewerage undertaker on its response to an EU infringement case on the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

Acting for a major waste treatment business in its negotiations with the regulator on permit compliance, BAT and improvement requirements for its innovative waste treatment technology.

Advising a producer compliance scheme on its contractual arrangements for its WEEE, batteries and packaging.

Acting in the first appeal in Northern Ireland under the greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme.

Advising an international client on Climate Change Levy and Climate Change Agreements including engagement with the regulator.

Meet the team
Michael Barlow

Michael Barlow Partner

  • Head of Environment
  • Head of Water
  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Ross Fairley

Ross Fairley Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Head of Renewable Energy
  • Environment
Ian Salter

Ian Salter Partner

  • Head of Nuclear
  • Head of Projects
  • Environment
James Phillips

James Phillips Partner

  • Head of Energy & Utilities
  • Head of Energy Transition
  • Energy Regulation
Guy Bastable Corporate Image

Guy Bastable Partner

  • Corporate Crime & Regulatory Investigations
  • Dispute Resolution & Crisis Management
  • Internal Investigations & Corporate/Director Liability
 

What others say...

Burges Salmon have an excellent reputation for their environment team, and really do cover the full range of environmental work, including litigation and criminal cases. They have a wide range of experience and a depth of expertise that no other firm does.

Legal 500 2023

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