Basic Environmental Law and Regulations

Description

This course provides Department of Defense (DoD), United States Coast Guard personnel and other federal agencies with a foundational understanding of federal environmental law and meets DoD ISEERB requirements.  The course presents a broad survey of major environmental statutes, implementing regulations, legal theories, and compliance responsibilities. Taught by senior environmental attorneys with federal government and DoD experience, this training supports compliance with federal mandates, promotes natural resource stewardship, and fosters an environmental ethic within the DoD workforce.

The course includes an overview of the U.S. legal system, sovereign immunity, environmental planning laws such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Coastal Zone Management Act, natural and cultural resource protections, hazardous waste management, emergency response planning, and key regulatory enforcement provisions. Environmental responsibilities specific to ISEERB components are also covered for the DOD Course. Training materials can be focused on a specific DoD Component, such as U.S. Army, U.S.A.C.E, Department of the Navy (including USMC), Department of the USAF (Including Space Force), and the USCG and other DoD agencies (DLA, etc.). 

Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and explain key federal environmental statutes and their applications to DoD operations, as well as other agencies, as applicable.

  • Understand the legal responsibilities and risks associated with environmental compliance.

  • Recognize how environmental law intersects with facility planning, permitting, operations, and enforcement.

  • Apply foundational legal concepts to real-world environmental management and planning scenarios.

Key Topics Covered

  • Overview of Federal Law and the U.S. Legal System

  • Common Law and Liability for Environmental Contamination

  • Sovereign Immunity and Related Legal Concepts

  • Environmental Planning and Compliance (NEPA, CZMA)

  • Natural Resources Protection (ESA, MMPA, Sikes Act, MBTA, Wetlands)

  • Hazardous Waste Management (RCRA)

  • Environmental Restoration and Cleanup (CERCLA)

  • Water Resources Management (CWA, SDWA)

  • Control of Toxic Substances (TSCA, Lead, Asbestos, PCBs, EPCRA)

  • Spill and Emergency Response (OPA, National Contingency Plan)

  • Personal Liability and Environmental Enforcement

  • Cultural Resources Protection (NHPA, AHPA, NAGPRA, AIRFA)

Audience

This course is designed for:

  • All military and civilian DoD and U.S. Coast Guard personnel with environmental responsibilities

  • All federal agency environmental professionals within all agencies, if applicable.

  • DoD Facility planners, judge advocates, and agency attorneys

  • DoD Public affairs staff, commanding officers, and other leadership with environmental oversight roles

This course meets the requirements forNaval Civil Engineer Corps Officer Level II PW Certification.

Process

This is a 24-hour course that can be delivered in one of two formats:

  • In-person: Offered as a 3-day intensive training (8 hours per day).

  • Live Virtual: Delivered over two weeks in shorter, interactive sessions to accommodate online schedules and maintain engagement.

We offer flexible scheduling options and can tailor the delivery format to best meet your team’s availability and needs.

  • 70% Lecture

  • 30% Discussion and Q&A

Materials

Participants receive the following:

  • Comprehensive Workshop Manual

  • Supplemental Reference Materials