“Ownership and Cleanup of Contaminated School District Property and Neighboring Properties,” Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) Networking Meeting

This presentation addresses issues for school districts to consider regarding environmentally-contaminated property.  As school districts acquire property to build new or expand existing school facilities, or sell or lease property, they should perform due diligence to investigate the potential for environmental contamination and should include environmentally-specific contractual provisions in their agreements.  This presentation explains the liability structure in environmental laws involving contaminated property, as well as discusses the relevant issues involving school districts, environmental due diligence and issue spotting, recent case law, emerging contaminants of concern, and new changes in state regulations.  Knowing what issues to spot and how to address them contractually may help school districts mitigate risk and minimize liability under federal and state environmental laws when acquiring, selling, and leasing property.