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Environmental Commitments and Contingencies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]  
Environmental Commitments and Contingencies
Environmental Commitments and Contingencies
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental quality and pollution control. These laws and regulations require us to remove or remediate, at current and former operating sites, the effect on the environment of the disposal or release of specified substances.
MGP Sites
We have participated in the investigation, assessment or remediation of, and have exposures at, seven former MGP sites. Those sites are located in Salisbury, Maryland; Seaford, Delaware; and Winter Haven, Key West, Pensacola, Sanford and West Palm Beach, Florida. We have also been in discussions with the MDE regarding another former MGP site located in Cambridge, Maryland.
As of June 30, 2018, we had approximately $9.5 million in environmental liabilities related to FPU’s MGP sites in Key West, Pensacola, Sanford and West Palm Beach, Florida. FPU has approval to recover, from insurance and from customers through rates, up to $14.0 million of its environmental costs related to its MGP sites. Approximately $11.3 million has been recovered as of June 30, 2018, leaving approximately $2.7 million in regulatory assets for future recovery of environmental costs from FPU’s customers.
Environmental liabilities for our MGP sites are recorded on an undiscounted basis based on the estimate of future costs provided by independent consultants. We continue to expect that all costs related to environmental remediation and related activities, including any potential future remediation costs for which we do not currently have approval for regulatory recovery, will be recoverable from customers through rates.
The following is a summary of our remediation status and estimated costs to implement clean-up of our key MGP sites:
Jurisdiction
MGP Site
Status
Cost to Clean up
Recovery through Rates
Florida
West Palm Beach
Remedial actions approved by the FDEP have been implemented on the east parcel of the site. We expect to implement similar remedial actions on other remaining portions, including the anticipated demolition of buildings on the site's west parcel in 2018.
Between $4.5 million to $15.4 million, including costs associated with the relocation of FPU’s operations at this site, which is necessary to implement the remedial plan, and any potential costs associated with future redevelopment of the properties.
Yes
Florida
Sanford
In March 2018, the EPA approved a "site-wide ready for anticipated use" status, which is the final step before delisting a site. Construction has been completed and restrictive covenants are in place to ensure protection of human health. The only remaining activity is long-term groundwater monitoring. It is unlikely that FPU will incur any significant future costs associated with the site.
FPU's remaining remediation expenses, including attorneys' fees and costs, are anticipated to be less than $10,000.
Yes
Florida
Winter Haven
Remediation is ongoing.
Not expected to exceed $425,000, which includes costs of implementing institutional controls at the site.
Yes
Delaware
Seaford
Proposed plan for implementation approved by the DNREC in July 2017. Site assessment is ongoing.
Between $273,000 and $465,000.
Yes
Maryland
Cambridge
Currently in discussions with the MDE.
Unable to estimate.
N/A