Butzel Long :: Lawyers & Professionals :: Beth S. Gotthelf Shareholder Bloomfield Hills 248 258 1303 248 258 1439 gotthelf@butzel.com Download Services Education
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1985
Oakland University, B.S., Public Administration and Public Policy, cum laude, 1980
Admissions Michigan Memberships
Macomb-Oakland University INCubator Advisory Council American Bar Association (ABA) - Tel
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Environment & Natural Resources Brownfield Incentives
Natural Resources Energy & Sustainability Alternative Energy Clean Technology Climate Change
Energy & Utility Transactions Chemical Registrations Environmental Due Diligence Environmental Litigation Regulatory Permitting &
Compliance
Solid & Hazardous Waste Siting Environmental Criminal
Investigations
Beth S. Gotthelf is a Shareholder based in Butzel Long’s Bloomfield Hills office. She is the firm's Director of Innovation and External Relations, Co-Chair of the Energy & Sustainability practice, and the Chair of the Aerospace & Defense industry team. Ms. Gotthelf represents and counsels a diverse mix of clients in numerous matters throughout the country. These matters include
compliance and permitting; alternative energy issues; responding to an emergency; siting new facilities; state and federal civil and criminal enforcement; compliance audits; brownfields; tax incentives (obtaining, selling, purchasing); remediation of contaminated sites; Planned Unit Developments (PUDs); removal of underground storage tanks; Superfund (state and federal); insurance claims; administrative procedures; solid and hazardous waste; landfills; composting; occupational safety and health; transportation; and land use.
Ms. Gotthelf is general counsel to the Michigan Association of Metal Finishers and former general counsel to the Wayne County Brownfield Authority. She has represented the Wayne County Department of Environment on a broad variety of issues, including the wastewater treatment plant expansion, upgrade and compliance; wet weather; landfills; remediation; cost recovery; and ordinance amendments. Wayne County is the eleventh most populous county in the nation. She also represents Oakland County on matters concerning stormwater and
wastewater.
Ms. Gotthelf was very active in the State Bar of Michigan,
Environmental Law Section, including serving as past Chair of the Section. She is Vice Chair of the American Bar Association ("ABA") Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, Water Quality and Wetlands, and former Vice Chair of the Keystone Committee. She is past Chair of the Environmental Law Committee of the Oakland County Bar Association and is a past member of the State Bar Representative Assembly on behalf of Oakland County.
Ms. Gotthelf serves on the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Committee for Transportation, and is past Chair of the C h a m b e r ’s Task Force on Water and Sewer Issues. She is a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. Ms. Gotthelf is Chair of the City of
Birmingham (Michigan) Brownfield Authority. She is also past Co-Chair of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Legislative Action Committee. Ms. Gotthelf was on the Federal Advisory Committee charged with recommending stormwater rules and served as a Director of the Detroit Area Commercial Board of Realtors, which covers the State of Michigan. She serves as an arbitrator for the National Arbitration Forum.
Vice Chair, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Water Quality and Wetlands Committee Vice-Chair, Teleconference Seminars
Vice-Chair, 2010 Eastern Water Resources Conference
Former Vice-Chair, Annual Keystone Environmental Conference State Bar of Michigan - past Chair, Environmental Law Section; past Section Council-person and Chair of Program Committee; Superfund, Solid and Hazardous Waste and Insurance
State Bar of Michigan - past member Representative Assembly on behalf of Oakland County
Oakland County Bar Association Jewish Vocational Services - Board of Trustees
Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce – Translink Advisory Committee; past Chair, Task Force on Water and Sewer Issues
Great Lakes Guardians - Chair, Board of Trustees
Michigan Israel Business Bridge - Board of Directors
Diplomat Helping Hands Foundation - Director
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) - past Co-Chair, legislative action committee Federal Advisory Committee Member – rulemaking Phase 2 stormwater rules
Recognitions
Michigan Lawyers Weekly - recognized as one of 20 Women in Law, 2010
The Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law, 2013-2015 DBusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Environmental Law, 2011-2014; Energy Law, 2011-2012; Government Relations Law, 2011-2012
Michigan Super Lawyers, Environmental, 2006-2013 2009 Oakland University Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Litigation Counsel of America - Fellow
Michigan State Bar Foundation – Fellow
Ms. Gotthelf's charitable activities include serving as past President of the Board of Trustees for the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter; Chair of the Board of Trustees of Oakland Plus Foundation; Trustee of the Jewish Vocational Services; member of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, State Government Relations Oversight Committee; former
member of the Board of Directors for the University Cancer Foundation; and member of the Seymour Gill Financial Women's Advisory Board.
Ms. Gotthelf was selected as one of 20 influential leaders by Michigan Lawyers Weekly - W o m e n i n L a w ( 2 0 1 0 ) . She was listed as one of the “ Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers” b y Michigan Super Lawyers (2006, 2007, 2008) and as one of the “ Top 50 Female Michigan Super Lawyers” (2006 and 2008). She has received a number of awards and special recognitions, including as an emerging leader by the Detroit Regional Chamber (2003); the National Association of Metal Finishers (2002); Corp! Magazine as one of "Michigan's 95 Most Powerful Women" (2002); Corp! Magazine’s “ Top 10 Business Attorneys for Southeast Michigan” (1 9 9 9 ) ; a n d Crain's Detroit Business' 4 0 e m e r g i n g leaders under age 40 ("40 Under 40") (1994).
Ms. Gotthelf has authored articles of national interest for the ABA on Proposed Wastewater Regulations and Underground Storage Tanks, and authored a public policy update on the Detroit wastewater ordinance amendments for Detroiter. National lectures include National Brownfields Conference (2008); Walsh College “ FIN or Else: FIN 47” Seminar; Urban Land Use Planning (2007); COATING 2005 on “ Doing Business in China” ; the ABA Annual Meetings, Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law concerning general practice (2007) and water issues (2004 and 2002); “ A Civil Reaction: Confronting Environment Problems in the New Millennium” (1 9 9 7 ) ; “ A n n u a l Fundamentals of Real Estate Taxation” (1 9 9 7 , 1 9 9 8 , 2 0 0 0 , 2 0 0 1 and 2002); and at the National Association of Metal Finishers, “ Federal Wastewater Pretreatment Issues.”
Experience
Represented a private equity investor in a complicated effort to purchase a major OEM's glass manufacturing operations in North America
Representation of companies undergoing a multimedia environmental investigation
Represented manufacturing company with respect to multimedia inspection by state and US EPA
Assisted manufacturing company in reopening after major fire
Assist with the purchasing, contracting, bonding, construction and permitting of two ethanol plants
Assisted client in purchasing, tax incentives and permits of alternative fuel, R&D facility
Environmental representation for a metal finishing company in connection with a release of hazardous chemicals
Oakland County Bar Foundation- Fellow
Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) Top 50 Female Michigan Super Lawyers (2006 and 2008) Detroit Regional Chamber - recognition as an emerging leader (2003)
National Association of Metal Finishers (2002)
Corp! Magazine - one of "Michigan's 95 Most Powerful Women" (2002) Corp! Magazine - "Top 10 Business Attorneys for Southeast
Michigan" (1999)
Crain's Detroit Business' 40 emerging leaders under age 40 ("40 Under 40") (1994)
Published Works
"When Environmental Goes Criminal - How to Protect and Prepare for Audits by Implementing Compliance Programs", Michigan Lawyers Weekly, April 23, 2012 "With PACE, Green Chemistry, Will Energy be 'Hot Topic' for the Legislature?", Michigan Lawyers Weekly, April 15, 2011
Speaking Engagements 2012 National Association of Surface Finishers Management Conference - speaker,
Environmental Cases Are Going Criminal: How to Prepare and Protect Yourself
Advised bond insurer on various aspects of bond and environmental issues
Stock purchase of contaminated property
Negotiated an administrative order for a landfill client with the DNRE
Represent company in the sale of highly contaminated gas station
Obtained a judgment of approximately $24 million for DWSD and its rate payers
Defended against suit filed by MDEQ for alleged contamination of soils and groundwater
Obtained court order to allow access for remediation Representation of manufacturer in remediation
Assist in purchasing tax credits for numerous transactions Assisted numerous clients with international transactions involving environmental due diligence and permitting throughout South America, Asia and Europe.
Represented major manufacturer in negotiating complex remedial action plan.
Assisted Developer in obtaining a unique 2007 Wetland Permit
Represented the County in the transfer of sewer capacity Represented healthcare client with the environmental issues Assisting with PUD approval, condo documents, along with wetland, shoreland and sewer water permits for a 450-acre lakefront residential development
Represented a County against the City and the Water and Sewerage Dept. to challenge rates charges to users of the system
Working with a developer to obtain DEQ permit to fill wetlands a n d n e g o t i a t i n g a n a g r e e m e n t w i t h a n e a r b y c o n s e r v a n c y Prosecuted several cost recovery actions on behalf of clients seeking to recoup remediation costs against responsible parties.
Advised client concerning purchase, tax incentives and the remediation of a contaminated site to redevelop into residential units
Assisted in addressing regional transportation issues for client's move to downtown Detroit
Assisting with the construction, financing & permitting of Download Hi Res Photo: JPG 4058k
ethanol plants in two northern Michigan locations Representation of solid waste and recycling company in a variety of landfill compliance and contamination issues Representation of a county in a variety of environmental issues
Defended several class action law suits against waste treatment & disposal clients alleging harm due to odors and other impact from respected facilities.
Various enforcement actions
Successfully represented industry group in negations to amend an ordinance regulating industrial discharges into one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the country. Chaired Brownfield Authority for large suburban community Settled a suit against a manufacturer and designer of pumps a t a w a s t e w a t e r t r e a t m e n t p l a n t
Convinced MDEQ to reverse its policy not to process permit applications for wastewater discharges
Represented several manufacturing home park clients in obtaining ground water discharge permits.
Conducted environmental due diligence for the purchase of a portable energy production facility
Defended client for a nuisance value for MDEQ claims Successfully represented client in dispute with DEQ over wetland delineation for 50 acre development.
Creation of management authority for a regional wastewater plant
Various enforcement actions pursuant to Wayne County's air regulations against manufacturing companies
Defended against several claims of injury related to alleged mold exposure.
Representing companies in alleged criminal environmental conduct
Review and analyze environmental due diligence reports, and purchase agreements on behalf of buyers, sellers, and lenders, and advise as to potential environmental liability and available protections.
Represented numerous clients in obtaining, modifying and or transferring air permits.
Represented owner of land next to landfill due to methane gas migrating onsite
Reviewed various environmental due diligence and terms in sales agreements on behalf of bank and its borrowers.
Successfully prosecuted several contested case proceedings related to wetland permit denials.
Worked with client to obtain $1 million Single Business Tax Credit
Investigation of remedial contamination
Ongoing representation of numerous solid waste and recycling companies on a variety of landfill compliance & permitting issues.
Supervised environmental due diligence and remedial activities related to major multi-parcel development in major metropolitan downtown area.
Worked with client to obtain $1 million Single Business Tax Credit
Represent alternative energy company for tax incentives Ongoing representation for numerous casino clients in a variety of OSHA issues
Construction of a combined sewer overflow basin at a former dump site.
Create the first wetland bank in Michigan Represent client after it was "raided" by US EPA
Created Brownfield Authority for large metropolitan county and local municipalities,
Represent developer in the obtaining of a wastewater discharge permit from a manufactured home park
Assisted clients in obtaining permits and defending action in alleged disturbance of an endangered species (eagles). Represented client in class action suit
Represented company in lawsuit for insurance coverage after e n v i r o n m e n t a l e m e r g e n c y
Represented energy company in development, land and equipment purchase
Numerous remediation projects
Defended against alleged wastewater discharge violations Represented credit union in sale of contaminated property and cost recovery
Defend client in CERCLA cost recovery claim.
lawsuits that were filed in reaction to hydrochloric acid release at Client's property; pursue insurance coverage related to same.
Represent Client in lawsuit against travel agent for refund of the cost of trip.
News
Media Releases
0 8 . 1 8 . 1 4 Butzel Long Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in A m e r i c a 2 0 1 5
0 3 . 1 8 . 1 4 Butzel Long attorneys appointed to the Macomb-Oakland University INCubator Advisory Council 1 1 . 0 4 . 1 3 Butzel Long attorneys named to DBusiness magazine’s
Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit 2014
0 9 . 1 9 . 1 3 Program to teach the essentials on joint ventures and teaming agreements
0 8 . 1 5 . 1 3 Butzel Long attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in A m e r i c a ® 2 0 1 4
News in brief
0 7 . 1 5 . 1 3 Butzel Long attorney Beth S. Gotthelf quoted in Michigan Lawyers Weekly article titled “ In search of t h e n e w G M , a n d a w a y t o s t a y r e l e v a n t e v e n i f y o u are old”
0 2 . 0 8 . 1 1 Butzel Long attorney co-chairs JVS annual fundraiser
Publications
Articles, presentations & briefs
0 5 . 0 7 . 1 2 When Environmental Goes Criminal - How to Protect and Prepare for Audits by Implementing Compliance Programs
Client alerts
0 7 . 0 7 . 1 4 Energy & Sustainability Alert
0 5 . 1 4 . 1 2 Environmental - More Environmental Cases are Going Criminal: How to Protect and Prepare - The Value of Audits and Compliance Programs
1 2 . 0 8 . 1 1 Client Alert - Environmental - EPA Announces Changes to Boiler and Incinerator Air Pollution Standards
0 2 . 0 2 . 1 1 Client Alert - Environmental - Michigan Property Assessed Clean Energy Act
0 1 . 1 9 . 1 1 Client Alert: Environmental - Self-Implementing Cleanups and "No Further Action" Letters
