Mara Epstein

Background

About Mara Epstein

I have represented clients in various environmental and land use matters, and real estate matters involving environmentally impaired properties. I have litigated environmental cost recovery claims, toxic torts, land use disputes and condemnation proceedings, among other matters. In addition, I was previously counsel to the Passaic River Coalition, a non-profit organization that is active in protecting the water quality of the Passaic River watershed. Further, I have extensive Appellate experience and was instrumental in the monumental decision of Save Hamilton Open Space v. Hamilton Township Planning Board, where the Court found for the first time that municipal land use boards had an obligation to review proposed land development to determine whether such plans are consistent with the Phase II Stormwater regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. I have also represented clients in all aspects of environmental cleanups, from regulatory and compliance matters, to procuring insurance coverage. I have assisted clients in navigating the complex purchase and sale of environmentally impacted properties. I have counseled clients on issues arising under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA” or “Superfund”), the Spill Compensation and Control Act, the Industrial Site Recovery Act (“ISRA”), the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (“MLUL”), and many other environmental and land use related laws on the federal, state and local levels. I am also experienced in representing clients in Suydam hearings and have succeeded in releasing escrowed condemnation funds on several occasions. I was a Member with the firm of Lieberman & Blecher for ten years. Before joining Lieberman & Blecher, I worked at the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Environmental Protection Bureau and interned with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.