The EPA’s general goal is to protect human and environmental health. To do so, they’ve established a plethora of laws and regulations over the years. Unfortunately, there are instances when these laws are broken, whether unintentionally or otherwise. When this happens, unsuspecting communities can face life-changing consequences.
Little Rock Environmental Lawyer
Advocating for Victims of Environmental Pollution
At McMath Woods, our attorneys became involved in environmental litigation around the time of the EPA’s founding. We represented neighbors of the Vertac facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas, which made herbicides during the Vietnam War. Due to the burial of dioxin-contaminated drums, Vertac is now known as one of the nation’s most hazardous waste sites. Environmental litigation is even more complex today as regulations change and accidents happen. If you’ve been injured because of preventable environmental pollution, you may have the right to seek compensation for your suffering. A Little Rock environmental lawyer may be able to help you achieve this. To learn more about your rights, let’s look at the ins and outs of environmental law.
What Types of Cases Fall Under Environmental Law?
While environmental law is broad, most cases fall into specific areas. Below is a list of those categories and specific information on what claims may be involved.
Agricultural Claims
Many of the agricultural claims we see are a result of crop damage. Crop damages may happen if the seeds used are defective or diseased, the fungicides or pesticides used end up harming the target plant, or pesticides from spray drift harm the crops.
The effects related to crop damage can be severe. In addition to affecting the farmer and his income, communities may face shortages they were not expecting. Food shortages can cause grocery prices to rise. If the soil was damaged in addition to the crops, the agriculture produced from that area may not be the same for years.
Oil and Gas Pollution Claims
Oil and gas exploration activities can have a detrimental impact on landowners and their communities. When drilling and fracturing fluids are not properly disposed of, properties, local bodies of water, and groundwater are all at risk of contamination.
Damage caused by oil is not always immediately noticeable, but even if the damage happened decades ago, victims have a right to seek justice.
Groundwater Pollution
Most of our drinking water comes from groundwater, which is found directly below the land’s surface. In addition to human consumption, groundwater is often used for agricultural purposes. Groundwater pollution often results from agricultural, commercial, industrial, or residential sources. It is almost always caused by human activity and is almost always preventable. Groundwater pollution is often serious and possibly life-threatening. Its main effects are on people’s health, the surrounding environment, and the economy.
Individuals who drink contaminated water will likely become ill and may require hospitalization. When contaminated groundwater enters the ecosystem, animals and plants may be negatively impacted. Groundwater pollution also costs individuals, communities, and the government a lot of money to treat and resolve.
Regulatory Claims
Even with the existence of the EPA, there are still instances where guidelines are not strict enough to protect our environment and families. Claims can be made against federal and state government agencies if it is believed they did not develop the proper mandates to protect the environment.
