April 15, 2020

EPA Publishes Interim Guidance on Site Field Work Decision-Making Related to COVID-19 Impacts

Environmental Alert

(by Lindsay Howard and Matthew Wood)

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt nearly all aspects of American life and business, including ongoing response activities being conducted under the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  In connection with these impacts, on April 10, 2020, EPA published a memorandum entitled, Interim Guidance on Site Field Work Decisions Due to Impacts of COVID-19 (“EPA’s COVID-19 Field Work Guidance” or “Guidance”).  The Guidance offers guidelines, specific factors, and examples EPA Regions should consider in their decision-making processes to continue, reduce, or suspend on-site work.  Driving these case-by-case decisions are EPA’s two main priorities: (1) protecting the health and safety of the public, as well as EPA’s staff and cleanup partners; and (2) maintaining EPA’s ability to prevent and respond to environmental emergencies.  This Alert addresses questions regarding EPA’s guidelines and decision-making under the Guidance.

To What Sites Does EPA’s COVID-19 Field Work Guidance Apply?

EPA’s COVID-19 Field Work Guidance applies to ongoing and emergency response actions conducted at sites across the United States under multiple federal programs, including Superfund, RCRA, and TSCA, where EPA is the lead agency or has direct oversight of or responsibility for the work being performed.  EPA acknowledges that any number of parties may actually be performing the work covered by its Guidance, including EPA, states, tribes, other federal agencies, or potentially responsible parties (PRPs).  Although the Guidance does not apply directly to states, EPA specifies that Regions should share the Guidance with states and assist states conducting state-lead RCRA cleanups.

In What Types of Situations Will EPA Regions Reduce or Suspend Response Actions?

The Guidance identifies multiple situations that have informed (or may inform) Regions’ decisions to reduce or suspend response actions.  …

April 13, 2020

Coronavirus may be basis to invoke force majeure provision of consent orders and consent decrees in Pennsylvania

The PIOGA Press

(by Kevin Garber, Sean McGovern and Jean Mosites)

On March 6, Governor Tom Wolf issued a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency throughout the Commonwealth under the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Services Code in response to the expanding COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. On March 13, President Donald Trump declared a state of national emergency. Many other states and local governments are following suit. These government actions may be a basis to invoke the force majeure clause of consent orders and consent decrees between regulated parties and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, other state and local environmental regulatory agencies or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The standard force majeure provision of most DEP consent orders and agreements allows deadlines in the order to be extended if circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the regulated party prevent compliance with the order. Similar provisions are often found in consent agreements with EPA and in consent decrees approved by federal and state courts.

These force majeure provisions typically require the affected party to notify the agency of the force majeure event when the party becomes aware or reasonably should have become aware of the event impeding performance. For example, the model DEP Consent Order and Agreement requires telephone notice within five working days and written notice, in some circumstances by notarized affidavit, within 10 working days describing the reasons for the delay, the expected duration of the delay, and the efforts being taken to mitigate the effects of the event and length of the delay. This model provision states that failure to comply with the timing and notice requirements invalidates a force majeure extension.

There are compelling reasons why the coronavirus pandemic, which is unlike any event experienced in this country, is beyond the contemplated scope of agency force majeure clauses such that strict adherence to the timing and notice provisions should be excused and extensions should be granted as necessary. …

April 13, 2020

DEP will consider requests to temporarily suspend environmental requirements due to COVID-19

The PIOGA Press

(by Lisa Bruderly and Daniel Hido)

As businesses in Pennsylvania struggle to deal with significant disruptions and challenges to their operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental agencies have recognized the challenges the pandemic presents to achieving compliance with environmental obligations. For example, on March 26 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a temporary policy for excusing COVID-19-related noncompliance (see accompanying article). Similarly, on March 31 the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued an alert (www.dep.pa.gov/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx) announcing that it would consider requests to temporarily suspend certain regulatory, permit, and/or other legal requirements due to COVID-19. DEP also provided the form needed to make such a request.

This announcement reflects a thought change from DEP’s previous assertion that COVID-19’s impact on businesses in Pennsylvania would not excuse compliance with environmental laws, stating that “[a]ll permittees and operators are expected to meet all terms andconditions of their environmental permits, including conditions applicable to cessation of operations.”

What is required to request a temporary suspension?

Unlike EPA’s temporary policy, which does not require regulated entities to submit documentation regarding an inability to meet routine compliance obligations, DEP is requiring submittal of the request form. While DEP did not elaborate on how it will review requests for suspension, it will generally evaluate (1) the reasons for the request in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the risk of harm to the environment or public health if the request is or is not granted.

Importantly, it will not be enough for entities to show that COVID-19 has restricted their ability to comply with regulatory, permit or other legal requirements; entities must demonstrate that strict compliance would prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the COVID-19 emergency. …

April 8, 2020

Update: U.S. DOT Agencies and TSA Extend COVID-19 HazMat Relief

Transportation Safety Alert

(by Boyd Stephenson, Varun Shekhar, Jame Curry)

Babst Calland has updated this alert to capture new HazMat background check relief extended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies that regulate the surface transportation of hazardous materials (HazMat) have extended several forms of relief.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has waived some HazMat training requirements and delayed some equipment recertifications.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are implementing PHMSA’s waiver in their modes. FMCSA has also allowed states to extend the effective dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and commercial learner’s permits (CLP).  Additionally, FRA has activated its emergency docket.  FRA has not extended any hazardous materials-specific relief.  Finally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is allowing states to extend HazMat endorsements (HME).

Hazardous Materials Shippers, Carriers, and Package Manufacturers

  • On March 25th, PHMSA issued an updated policy declining to enforce recurrent training requirements under 49 C.F.R. § 172.704(c)(2) against HazMat employers unable to train employees due to COVID-19.  Employers are still required to provide initial training to a new hazardous materials employee before the employee may perform regulated functions.
  • On April 1st, PHMSA issued two surface transportation-related emergency special permits authorizing the filling and transportation of certain DOT specification cylinders up to 12 months after they are due for a periodic requalification during the COVID-19 emergency. PHMSA also authorized the transportation of certain cylinders overdue for retesting due to COVID-19 disruptions.

Truck Transportation

  • On March 18th, FMCSA issued an expanded emergency declaration waiving certain provisions of Parts 390 through 399—most notably the hours of service requirements—for drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts. 

    • …

April 8, 2020

Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic NHTSA Issues First Proposed Rule Modifying the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to Remove Barriers to Automated Vehicles

Transportation Safety Alert

(by Ashleigh Krick, Boyd Stephenson and Justine Kasznica)

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA or the Agency) is moving forward with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) rulemakings.  On March 30, 2020, NHTSA issued the first of several anticipated regulatory actions proposing to amend the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs) to remove barriers to ADS-equipped vehicles, including those without traditional manual controls.  As with prior guidance from NHTSA, the Agency seeks to prioritize safety while promoting technology innovation.

On March 30, 2020, NHTSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to amend several of the crashworthiness FMVSSs (200 Series) for vehicles equipped with ADS that do not have manual controls and vehicles that are designed to transport only property (Occupant-less Vehicles).  NHTSA proposes several new or changed definitions, textual clarifications, and applicability changes to preserve the same level of occupant protection provided in current standards, while clarifying the application of the standards to ADS-equipped vehicles.  Specifically, NHTSA addresses configurations where, due to the lack of manual controls, the “driver seat” should rather be considered a front “passenger seat.”  NHTSA also proposes to modify the applicability of the 200 Series to Occupant-less Vehicles.

NHTSA issued this NPRM in response to comments received from the Agency’s January 18, 2018 Request for Comments that sought input on regulatory barriers in existing FMVSSs for ADS-equipped vehicles with non-traditional interior designs.  Many commenters thought that most of the regulatory barriers in the 200 Series did not require extensive research as only minor textual changes—principally driver-related references—would be needed.  Commenters agreed that the current crash protection provided to vehicle occupants should be maintained for ADS-equipped vehicles. …

April 7, 2020

Update: Paycheck Protection Program FAQs (as of Tuesday, April 7, 2020)

Client Alert

(by Moore Capito, Christian Farmakis and Andrew Terranova)

Yesterday, the Small Business Administration (the SBA) published “Frequently Asked Questions” (the FAQ) guidance regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loan), enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Among other clarifications, below are some of the critical points that the SBA has clarified in the FAQ. The full FAQ can be found here. The SBA intends to update this document on a regular basis.

Monthly Payroll Verification by Lender

A lender is not to replicate an applicant’s calculation of “monthly payroll costs.” A lender’s minimal review of calculations based on a payroll report by a recognized third-party payroll processor, for example, would be reasonable. If the lender identifies errors in the borrower’s calculation, the lender should work with the borrower to remedy the error.  See FAQ #1.

Some Companies with More than 500 Employees can Apply for PPP Loan

Companies with more than 500 employees can qualify for the PPP loan if the company satisfies the existing statutory and regulatory definition of a “small business concern” under section 3 of the Small Business Act. A company can qualify if it meets the employee-based or revenue-based size standard corresponding to its primary industry. Visit www.sba.gov/size for the industry size standards.

Additionally, a business can qualify for a PPP loan as a small business concern if it meets both tests in the SBA’s “alternative size standard” as of March 27, 2020. …

April 3, 2020

U.S. DOT Agencies Extend COVID-19 HazMat Relief

Transportation Safety Alert

(by Boyd Stephenson, Varun Shekhar, Jame Curry)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies that regulate the surface transportation of hazardous materials (HazMat) have extended several forms of relief.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has waived some HazMat training requirements and delayed some equipment recertifications.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are implementing PHMSA’s waiver in their modes.  FMCSA has also allowed states to extend the effective dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and commercial learner’s permits (CLP).  Additionally, FRA has activated its emergency docket.  FRA has not extended any hazardous materials-specific relief.

Hazardous Materials Shippers, Carriers, and Package Manufacturers

  • On March 25th, PHMSA issued an updated policy declining to enforce recurrent training requirements under 49 C.F.R. § 172.704(c)(2) against HazMat employers unable to train employees due to COVID-19.  Employers are still required to provide initial training to a new hazardous materials employee before the employee may perform regulated functions.
  • On April 1st, PHMSA issued two surface transportation-related emergency special permits authorizing the filling and transportation of certain DOT specification cylinders up to 12 months after they are due for a periodic requalification during the COVID-19 emergency.  PHMSA also authorized the transportation of certain cylinders overdue for retesting due to COVID-19 disruptions.

Truck Transportation

  • On March 18th, FMCSA issued an expanded emergency declaration waiving certain provisions of Parts 390 through 399—most notably the hours of service requirements—for drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts.  Direct assistance includes transporting medical supplies, food, paper, and grocery products;

    • …

April 3, 2020

PADEP Will Consider Requests to Temporarily Suspend Environmental Requirements Due to COVID-19

Environmental Alert

(by Lisa Bruderly and Daniel Hido)

As businesses in Pennsylvania struggle to deal with significant disruptions and challenges to their operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental agencies have recognized the challenges that the pandemic presents to achieving compliance with environmental obligations. For example, on March 26, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued a temporary policy for excusing COVID-19-related noncompliance (see Babst Calland’s March 30, 2020 Environmental Alert for further details). Similarly, on March 31, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) issued an Alert announcing that it would consider requests to temporarily suspend certain regulatory, permit, and/or other legal requirements due to COVID-19. It also provided the form needed to make such a request. This announcement reflects a thought change from PADEP’s previous assertion that COVID-19’s impact on businesses in Pennsylvania would not excuse compliance with environmental laws, stating that “[a]ll permittees and operators are expected to meet all terms and conditions of their environmental permits, including conditions applicable to cessation of operations.”

What is Required to Request a Temporary Suspension?

Unlike USEPA’s temporary policy, which does not require regulated entities to submit documentation regarding an inability to meet routine compliance obligations, PADEP is requiring submittal of the request form. While PADEP did not elaborate on how it will review requests for suspension, it will generally evaluate (1) the reasons for the request in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the risk of harm to the environment or public health if the request is or is not granted.

Importantly, it will not be enough for entities to show that COVID-19 has restricted their ability to comply with regulatory, permit, or other legal requirements; …

April 3, 2020

Update: Interim Final Rule Issued for Paycheck Protection Program

Client Alert

(by Moore Capito, Christian Farmakis and Andrew Terranova)

On April 2, 2020, the Small Business Administration (the SBA) published an Interim Final Rule regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loan), enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Below are critical points that the SBA has clarified in the published guidance. The Interim Final Rule can be found here.

What is the interest rate of the loan?

The SBA has advised that the interest rate of the loan has been increased from a 0.5 percent fixed rate to a 1 percent fixed rate.

Do independent contractors count as employees for purposes of PPP Loan calculations or PPP Loan forgiveness?

No. Independent contractors have the ability to apply for their own PPP Loans, so they do not count for purposes of a borrower’s PPP Loan calculations or forgiveness.

How can PPP Loan proceeds be used?

The proceeds of a PPP loan are to be used for:

  1. payroll costs (as defined in the Act and in 2.f.);
  2. costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums;
  3. mortgage interest payments (but not mortgage prepayments or principal payments);
  4. rent payments;
  5. utility payments;
  6. interest payments on any other debt obligations that were incurred before February 15, 2020; and/or
  7. refinancing an SBA EIDL loan made between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020.

    8. …

April 2, 2020

US Supreme Court Update: Cases to Watch for CERCLA Practitioners

The Legal Intelligencer 

(by Alana Fortna)

While there are several interesting environmental cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, two cases are particularly relevant for any legal practitioner handling Superfund cases, whether they involve site remediation issues or litigation over the cleanup costs. The two cases to watch are Atlantic Richfield v. Christian, Case No. 17-1498, and County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Case No. 18-0260. Respectively, these two cases deal with the important legal questions of preemption and how groundwater discharges can be regulated and enforced. Both issues could have a significant impact on the scope of remediation and potential litigation at Superfund sites. CERCLA practitioners should watch for the opinions in these two cases.

The Atlantic Richfield appeal came out of the Montana Supreme Court, and it asks the court whether the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Recovery Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 preempts state common law remedies. The case involves the Anaconda Smelter Site, a Superfund site covering 300 square miles of property impacted by historical smelter and ore processing operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed the site on the National Priorities List in 1983 and identified Atlantic Richfield Co. as a potentially responsible party (PRP). After years of remedial investigation under EPA oversight, the EPA approved a remedial action plan for the cleanup of the site. The respondents in the appeal are a group of landowners who sued Atlantic Richfield alleging common law tort claims seeking more traditional damages, such as monetary damages and diminution of property value.  However, the respondents also sought relief in the form of restoration, asking that Atlantic Richfield remediate or pay for remediation above and beyond the EPA-approved remedy. …

April 2, 2020

COVID-19 Updates to Pennsylvania & West Virginia Unemployment Laws

Employment & Labor Alert

(by Stephen Antonelli, Mychal Schulz and Brian Lipkin)

At this uncertain time, many employers are considering whether to lay off or furlough employees – particularly employees who are unable to work remotely.  Earlier this week, we provided guidance on an alternative to layoffs and furloughs, as some employers are exploring grants and loans that are available under the new federal and state stimulus programs.  With this Alert, we are providing an update on recent changes to Pennsylvania and West Virginia unemployment laws:

  • Increased Benefit Amounts  Normally, unemployment benefits are capped at $573 per week in Pennsylvania and $424 per week in West Virginia.  Under the Paycheck Protection Program provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the federal government will supplement state unemployment benefits by $600 per week.  Through July 31, 2020, unemployment benefits will be capped at $1,173 per week in Pennsylvania, and $1,024 per week in West Virginia.  As a result, for the next four months, some workers may actually earn more in unemployment benefits than they would have earned in wages.  For example, an employee who would otherwise receive $100 per week of state unemployment benefits will now receive an additional $600 per week from the federal government.  After the federal supplement of $600 per week expires, the employee may continue to collect unemployment benefits at the usual rate in each state
  • Expanded Eligibility  Until recently, Pennsylvania and West Virginia limited unemployment benefits to certain employees.  In Pennsylvania, to receive unemployment benefits, an employee must have earned at least $116 per week, during at least 18 weeks in the past year.  In West Virginia, employees must satisfy two requirements within the past year: they must have earned a total of at least $2,200;

    • …

April 1, 2020

End of the Trail: Supreme Court to Hear Atlantic Coast Pipeline Appeal

Institute for Energy Law Oil & Gas E-Report

(by Adam Speer)

On October 4, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari to hear an appeal of the Fourth Circuit’s decision vacating the United States Forest Service’s special use permit authorizing the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) to cross beneath a segment of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. In Cowpasture River Preservation Association v. Forest Service, 911 F. 3d 150 (4th Cir. 2018), a three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the United States Forest Service lacked the statutory authority pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) to grant a pipeline right-of-way across the Appalachian Trail. The Fourth Circuit’s decision halted the construction of the ACP. If the decision stands, it could impede the completion of the ACP and affect other current and future pipeline projects along the east coast, like the Mountain Valley Pipeline, that would also cross the Trail.

For the full article, click here.

For the full report, click here.

March 31, 2020

UPDATE: Assessing Your Organization’s Stimulus Program Options

Client Alert

(by Moore Capito, Christian Farmakis and Andrew Terranova)

Earlier today the U.S. Treasury Department (the Department) published additional information on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loan), enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Below are critical points that the Department has clarified in the published guidance.

When can I apply?

  • Small businesses and sole proprietorships can begin submitting applications on Friday, April 3, 2020
  • Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can begin submitting applications on Friday, April 10, 2020.

How much money can be borrowed?

The Department clarified that salary, wages, commissions, or tips are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee.

How much of the loan is forgiven?

Due to likely high subscription, the Department anticipates that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.

What is the interest rate of the loan?

0.5% fixed rate.

Read the latest guidance information issued by the Department of Treasury below.

For a top-line overview of the program, click here.

If you’re a lender, more information can be found here.

If you’re a borrower, more information can be found here.

The application for borrowers can be found here.

For more information on the above program or for assistance in applying for the program, please contact Babst Calland Attorneys Moore Capito at 304.552.8986 or mcapito@babstcalland.com, Christian Farmakis at 412.394.5642 or cfarmakis@babstcalland.com or Andrew Terranova at 412.773.8717 or aterranova@babstcalland.com. …

March 31, 2020

EPA’s New Proposed Interpretation of “Begin Actual Construction” Under the New Source Review Preconstruction Permitting Regulations

Environmental Alert 

(by Julie Domike and Michael Winek)

On March 25, 2020, EPA released a draft guidance memorandum proposing to change the agency’s interpretation of the term “begin actual construction” under the New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction permitting regulations.  If finalized, this proposed guidance would expand the activities the factories, power plants, refineries and other industrial operations may undertake while waiting to receive an NSR permit.

Federal NSR permitting regulations provide that “[n]o new major stationary source or major modification . . . shall begin actual construction without a permit that states that the major stationary source or major modification will meet those requirements.” 40 CFR § 52.21(a)(2)(iii).  The regulations define the term “begin actual construction” to mean “in general, initiation of physical on-site construction activities on an emissions unit which are of a permanent nature.” 40 CFR § 52.21(b)(11).

EPA currently interprets “begin actual construction” as almost any physical on-site construction activity that is of a permanent nature, even if the activity does not involve construction “on an emissions unit.”  This interpretation precludes many preparatory activities such as installation of building supports and foundation, paving, laying of underground piping, construction of a permanent storage structure, and other similar activities.

Under the proposed revised interpretation, a source owner or operator, prior to obtaining an NSR permit, may undertake physical on-site activities – including activities that may be costly, that may significantly alter the site, and/or are permanent in nature – provided that those activities do not constitute physical construction on an emissions unit.  Under this interpretation, an “installation necessary to accommodate” the emissions unit at issue is not considered part of the actual emissions unit; thus, construction of such an installation would be permissible in advance of obtaining an NSR permit.  …

March 30, 2020

Assessing Your Organization’s Stimulus Program Options

Client Alert

(by Moore Capito, Christian Farmakis and Andrew Terranova)

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every business sector in the United States. Federal government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have announced various stimulus programs to assist businesses eligible to receive certain economic benefits. Babst Calland’s Corporate and Commercial attorneys have been following the existing and new stimulus programs currently being offered.

This is a time-sensitive opportunity to consider how these programs may apply to your business. Various programs are summarized below for your convenience. Together, we can help you navigate this crisis and prepare your organization to continue thriving in the months and years ahead. To schedule a private conversation to help you evaluate whether these programs are right for your company, contact Attorney Moore Capito at 304.552.8986 or mcapito@babstcalland.com.

ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN

Description

An Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is a long-term, low-interest loan that provides small businesses with working capital of up to $2 million directly from the U.S. Treasury. The intent of this federal program is to provide six months of working capital to qualified applicants.
In response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has lifted certain requirements to make it easier for small businesses to receive an EIDL.

Who is eligible to receive it?

Small businesses and sole proprietors in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories may apply for an EIDL, so long as they do not exceed the size standard for the industry in which they operate. …

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