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Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies

Butane Blending Patent Infringement Proceeding

On October 4, 2017, Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P. (“Sunoco”) brought an action for patent infringement in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware alleging Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (“Magellan”) and Powder Springs Logistics, LLC (“Powder Springs”) have infringed patents relating to butane blending at the Powder Springs facility located in Powder Springs, Georgia. Sunoco has since submitted pleadings alleging that Magellan has also infringed various patents relating to butane blending at nine Magellan facilities, in addition to Powder Springs. Sunoco is seeking monetary damages, attorneys’ fees and a permanent injunction enjoining Magellan and Powder Springs from infringing the subject patents. We deny and are vigorously defending against all claims asserted by Sunoco. Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome, we believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Environmental Liabilities

Liabilities recognized for estimated environmental costs were $14.9 million and $12.5 million at December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020, respectively. We have classified environmental liabilities as current or noncurrent based on management’s estimates regarding the timing of actual payments. Environmental expenses recognized as a result of changes in our environmental liabilities are generally included in operating expenses on our consolidated statements of income. Environmental expenses were $2.0 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Environmental Receivables

Receivables from insurance carriers and other third parties related to environmental matters were $2.9 million at December 31, 2019, of which $1.8 million and $1.1 million were recorded to other accounts receivable and long-term receivables, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. Receivables from insurance carriers and other third parties related to environmental matters were $2.6 million at March 31, 2020, of which $1.6 million and $1.0 million were recorded to other accounts receivable and long-term receivables, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets.

Other

In March 2020, we entered into a long-term contractual obligation in connection with the sale of three marine terminals to Buckeye.  This obligation requires us to perform certain environmental remediation work on Buckeye’s behalf at the New Haven terminal.  As of March 31, 2020, our consolidated balance sheets reflected a current liability of $0.7 million and a noncurrent liability of $10.2 million to reflect the fair value of this obligation.

We have entered into an agreement to guarantee our 50% pro rata share, up to $25.0 million, of obligations under Powder Springs’ credit facility. As of March 31, 2020, our consolidated balance sheets reflected a $0.4 million other current liability and a corresponding increase in our investment in non-controlled entities on our consolidated balance sheets to reflect the fair value of this guarantee.

We and the non-controlled entities in which we own an interest are a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints. While the results cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the ultimate resolution of these claims, legal actions and complaints after consideration of amounts accrued, insurance coverage or other indemnification arrangements will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.