Ian L. Sandison | Attorney

Ian L. Sandison is a partner in the firm's Honolulu office, concentrating his practice in the area of environmental law. He routinely handles matters involving the investigation and cleanup of contaminated real property, environmental permitting, negotiation of environmental matters in business and real property transactions, lender liability for environmental contamination, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and defense of enforcement actions arising from both federal and state laws.  He is listed in Chambers USA:  America's Leading Lawyers for Business, for Real Estate:  Zoning and Land Use

Representative Matters

Medical Waste Incinerator Assisted developer of a medical waste incineration facility with air and solid waste permit negotiations, represented the developer at public hearings and before state and county administrative agencies, and lobbied the state legislature for special purpose revenue bonds to finance the facility.

Landowner Continuing representation of the owner of a potential Superfund site regarding cleanup negotiations with the Hawaii State Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Supervised selection and engagement of environmental consultants, developed a least-cost approach for complying with applicable laws and regulations, and negotiated with potentially responsible parties.

Construction Continuing representation of a partnership of construction interests in connection with the organization and implementation of the cleanup of a potential Superfund site. Negotiated agreements between potentially responsible parties for the allocation of cleanup responsibility and oversaw the work of environmental consultants during site characterization and cleanup phases.

Bank Continuing representation of a large banking client regarding environmental issues associated with commercial lending. Advised client on cleanup liability issues associated with loan workout and foreclosure actions. Supervised selection and engagement of environmental consultants in connection with foreclosure of contaminated property. Assisted in establishing internal environmental polices.

Oil Companies Assisted a consortium of oil companies operating in the Western Pacific in contracting for oil spill response services. Prepared a Request for Proposal tailored to the needs of the client.

Chemical Wholesales Defended client regarding notice of violation of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act from the federal Department of Transportation. Negotiated settlement with the Department of Transportation.

Industrial Continuing representation of large industrial client with several contaminated sites. Prepared agreements allowing for surrender of client's leasehold interest in contaminated property. Assisted in selection, engagement and management of environmental consultants. Devised strategy for response to government inquiry regarding status as a "potentially responsible party" in connection with a state sponsored cleanup action.

Independent Power Producer Ongoing representation of power plant developer in devising and implementing an overall environmental permitting strategy.

Firing Range Continuing representation of tourist oriented shooting facility in connection with lead recycling and disposal issues.

Retailers Continuing advice to commercial clients on the purchase of contaminated properties. Negotiated purchase agreement provisions limiting assumption of cleanup liability.

Distinctions

• Listed in Chambers USA:  America's Leading Lawyers for Business, for Real Estate:  Zoning/Land Use
• Selected by attorney peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2010, for Environmental Law 
• University of Hawaii School of Law, Adjunct Faculty in Environmental Law

Affiliations

• Hawaii Chamber of Commerce; Chair, Environmental Affairs Committee
• Hawaii State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• American Society of Civil Engineers