Thomas Spiesman
Principal
Morristown, NJ
973.889.4208
tspiesman@pbnlaw.com
Tom Spiesman is a detail-oriented environmental lawyer who brings clarity, focus and a positive problem-solving perspective to each client and project. His caring approach to matters large and small, coupled with his years of practical experience, are essential in the day-to-day management of client matters and in meeting the longer-term objectives of his clients. Tom’s perseverance and determination in overseeing the investigation and remediation of contaminated sites as well as his excellent technical abilities make him one of the better-known and respected environmental attorneys in the state of New Jersey.
His practice encompasses matters of environmental compliance, permitting, Brownfields development, property transfer litigation, and strategic advice with respect to environmental issues that arise in the context of commercial and industrial transactions.
As part of his practice Tom assists clients with renewable energy ventures. He manages and oversees legal work with respect to power purchase agreements and contracts, the review of financial and tax incentives, obtaining and expediting permits and municipal approvals, and maximizing liability and financial protection.
A new wave of redevelopment projects in urban centers has resulted in environmental issues which require careful steering of clients through the various steps that will enable them to be compliant with the regulations of the agencies that have oversight responsibilities for implementation of federal, state and local environmental laws.
Tom's approach to client relationships is to learn everything he can about a client’s business and understand what is important so he can offer legal solutions that help them accomplish their business agenda.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Recognized in Chambers USA - America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Environment Practice, 2011 - 2021.
A description of the selection process can be found here. - Recognized in Who's Who Legal – Compendium Edition, 2017; Who's Who Legal: Environment, 2016.
A description of the selection process can be found here. - Recognized on the New Jersey Super Lawyers List, Environmental Law, 2012-2019.
A description of the selection process can be found here. - Recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law, (2016 - 2022).
A description of the selection process can be found here.
- New Jersey State Bar Association, Environmental Law Section, Transactions Committee
- American Bar Association, Natural Resources Law Section
- New York State Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
- Morris County Bar Association, Environmental Committee Chair
- Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Affairs Committee
- Montville Township Environmental Commission, Past Chair
- "NJDEP Issues Temporary Rule Modification Waiving Certain Rules and Extending Specific Site Remediation Timeframes and Deadlines," Porzio COVID-19 Resources, April 28, 2020.
- "NJDEP Confirms Policy Regarding Site Remediation and Issues an Alert Regarding Environmental Compliance and Enforcement," Porzio COVID-19 Resources, April 24, 2020.
- "USEPA Interim Guidance On Cleanup Sites During COVID-19 And Remediation In New Jersey," Porzio COVID-19 Resources, April 16, 2020.
- "New Jersey State Board of Education Adopts New Rules To Address Concerns Regarding Lead In Drinking Water," Porzio Update, July 2016.
- "Industrial Site Recovery Act: An Environmental Consideration For New Jersey Life Sciences Facilities," Porzio Update, April 2014.
- "Update: Remedial Investigation Deadline Extended," Porzio Update, January 2014.
- "May 2014 Deadline for Completion of Remedial Investigations and NJDEP Non-Applicability Letters," Porzio Update, November 2013.
- "Impact of New Vapor Intrusion Screening Levels and Policies on Open and Closed Environmental Compliance Cases," Porzio Environmental Update, January 28, 2013.
- "Roundup of Legislative Initiatives on Alternative Energy Sources," New Jersey Law Journal, September 27, 2010.
- "Deadline Alert: Public Notification For Ongoing Remediation Projects," New Jersey Law Journal, July 20, 2009.
- "Site Remediation Reform Act Introduces Profound Changes to Remedial Actions," ACC Focus on the New Jersey Chapter, July 10, 2009.
- “Site Remediation Reform Act Affects Profound Changes to Remedial Actions,” Porzio Update, May 2009.
- “Review of New Soil Remediation Standards,” Porzio Update, July, 2008. “New Jersey Site Remediation Reforms and Opinions Regarding ISRA Applicability,” Porzio Update, June, 2008.
- "Rising from the Ashes: Brownfield Redevelopment Gets a Boost," New Jersey Lawyer, November 12, 2007.
- "The Next Big Step: Enhanced Notice Requirements in Environmental Projects," New Jersey Law Journal, March 5, 2007.
- "Streamlined Clean-Up Process May Cause Delays," New Jersey Law Journal, December 4, 2006.
- "Turning an Economic Liability Into an Asset: The Anatomy of a Redevelopment Project," New Jersey Law Journal, June 26, 2006.
- "Redevelopment Opportunities For Contaminated Properties," The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, April 2006.
- "Surviving Environmental Justice Attacks," 174 New Jersey Law Journal 240, October 20, 2003.
- "State of the State Address Sets Environmental Agenda," 171 New Jersey Law Journal 715, February 24, 2003.
- "Proposed Revisions to Remediation Rules Promise Significant Changes," 171 New Jersey Law Journal 24, January 6, 2003.
- "Legislative Alert: Newly Proposed NJDEP Oversight Rules for Site Remediation," Commerce Magazine, December 2002.
- "New Private Well Testing Requirements Create Complications For Real Estate Transactions," The Morris Lawyer, November 2002.
- "Obstacles in New Well-Testing Law," 11 New Jersey Lawyer 1787, September 16, 2002.
- "Administrative Procedure Act Amendments Provide Relief for Regulated Community," Commerce Magazine, June 2001.
- "Testing the Waters, The Private Well Testing Act," 164 New Jersey Law Journal 1156, June 18, 2001.
- "Water Quality Agenda Gains Steam: DEP Tightens Toxic Standards While Relaxing Groundwater Rules," New Jersey Law Journal, Real Estate and the Environment, October 26, 1989.
- "Environmental Cleanup in New Jersey: Compliance Has Been a Bumpy Road," New York Law Journal, August 23, 1989.
- "Environmental Players - What Role Each Does, And Should, Play," Porzio Environmental Risk Analysis Roundtable, Morristown, NJ, May 9, 2017.
- "ISRA 101 – ISRA Boot Camp," Covington & Burling LLP, Washington, DC, April 26, 2017.
- "Environmental Issues Related to Real Estate Purchase and Lease Transactions," CB Title Group, Springfield, NJ, November 29, 2016.
- "Environmental Issues Related to Real Estate Purchase and Lease Transactions," CB Title Group, Paramus, NJ, November 18, 2016.
- Co-Presenter, "Environmental Law Issues in the Sale of a Business," CPE Seminar, Ridgewood, NJ, July 13, 2015.
- Co-Presenter, "Transaction Tips in the LSRP World," Porzio Real Estate and Environmental Law Roundtable, Morristown, New Jersey, May 10, 2013.
- Panelist, "The New NJ LSRP Program: It's here, what does it mean to you?" Presented by Porzio in conjunction with Haley & Aldrich, Morristown, NJ, November 19, 2009.
- Panelist, "The New NJ LSRP Program: The first 90 days," Presented by Porzio in conjunction with Haley & Aldrich, Morristown, NJ, August 6, 2009.
- "Building Green," Environmental Inn of Court Program, East Hanover, New Jersey, February 5, 2009.
- "Anatomy of an Urban Brownfield Redevelopment Project," Breakfast Roundtable, sponsored by Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, Morristown, New Jersey, October 19, 2006.
- "Redevelopment Breakfast Roundtable Discussion," sponsored by Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, Morristown, New Jersey, January 26, 2006.
- "Brownfield Development, A Guide and Considerations for Structuring Brownfield Transactions," Evaluating Real Estate Performance in New Jersey, Parsippany, New Jersey, November 29, 2005.
- "Brownfield Development, A Guide and Considerations for Structuring Brownfield Transactions," Evaluating Real Estate Asset Performance in New York, Garden City, New York, April 20, 2005.
- "Redevelopment Breakfast Roundtable Discussion," sponsored by Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, Morristown, New Jersey, February 8, 2005.
- "Natural Resource Damage Suits: Coming to a State Near You?," Defense Research Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 18, 2004.
- "Environmental Compliance Considerations," National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., Eastern Region Safety Meeting, East Brunswick, New Jersey, October 23, 2003.
- Moderator, “Environmental Enforcement Update—Discussion on Government Priorities and Trends," Environmental Law Forum, New Jersey State Bar Association, June 21, 2003.
- "Development and Re-development Breakfast Roundtable," sponsored by Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, March 25, 2003.
- Moderator, “Hazardous Waste Issues," EPA Region II Roundup: Trends, Developments and Visions for the Future, June 7, 2002.
- "Lender Liability/Environmental Issues," Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey presentation, March 19, 1996.
- White House Conference on Small Business presentation regarding “Environmental Issues," April 4, 1995.
- "International Standards Organization 14000," 12th Annual Environmental Exposition presentation, November 29, 1995.
- "Insurance Coverage for Environmental Liabilities," 11th Annual Environmental Exposition presentation, October 18, 1994.
- "Clean Water Enforcement Act" 10th Annual Environmental Exposition presentation, October 19, 1993.
- "The Environment: What Should be the Role of Government," Bergen/Passaic Convocation presentation, May 27, 1991.
- "New Jersey Environmental Regulation," Air and Waste Management Association (Delaware Chapter), March 1, 1990.
- "Overview of Environmental Laws and Regulations," OSHA Training Course sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Labor, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark College of Engineering, May 6, June 3, and August 19, 1991; January 27, 1992 and at Burlington County College, Pemberton, New Jersey, December 2, 1991.
Environmental