John E. Collins
ASSOCIATE
With a background in environmental compliance and testing, John’s
practice revolves around a variety of environmental matters including
CERCLA cost recovery and contribution actions, state agency
enforcement actions, and air, water and hazardous waste regulatory
compliance matters.
He has conducted internal investigations and advises clients on permits
issues, environmental issues related to real estate transactions, and
OSHA matters. John develops remediation strategies and negotiates
complex remedies with state and federal environmental regulators. He
has negotiated consent decrees and participated in PRP groups
performing work pursuant to administrative orders and consent decrees.
St. Louis, MO John also conducts environmental and endangered species siting and
Direct: 314.480.1644 permitting for renewable energy projects, such as solar developments
Fax: 314.480.1505 and wind farms. John serves as a member of the firm’s Recruiting
john.collins@huschblackwell.com Committee.
Before joining the firm, John was a technical manager at Schultz Co. He
Practices also served as the laboratory manager of an environmental testing
Environmental & Natural Resources facility, where he established a Quality Assurance Department, created a
Environmental & Chemical Regulation company safety program, and developed new methods of environmental
analysis. While in law school, John served on the Public Law Review and
received the Academic Excellence Award for Conflict of Laws.
Representative Experience
Represent a multinational company on CERCLA cost recovery and
contribution claims at a Superfund site involving numerous parties
and complex technical matters
Successfully challenged Superfund oversight costs alleged by U.S.
EPA resulting in over a $500,000 reduction in the amount owed by
the client
Performed environmental siting and permitting compliance review for
the largest Missouri wind farm to date
Conducted internal investigation for global manufacturer concerning
several possible Clean Air Act violations and negotiated settlement
with federal and state agencies resulting in a nominal fine compared
to potential six-figure penalty amount
Professional Associations & Memberships
The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Environmental Law Institute
Illinois State Bar Association
The Missouri Bar
St. Louis Air and Waste Management Association
Husch Blackwell LLP
Civic Involvement
Boy Scouts of America
Chesterfield Youth Football Association, Football Coach
Admissions
Missouri, 2004
Illinois, 2004
Education
J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law, 2003
Saint Louis University Public Law Review, Lead Articles Editor
M.A., Management, Webster University, 1999
B.S., Chemistry, University of Iowa, 1986
Publications & Presentations
Co-Author, “US V. Magnesium Corp. - Don't Panic, Environmental Law 360,” September 2010
Co-author, “Pursuing Natural Resource Damages on a Contingency Fee Basis – Implications of New Jersey’s
Program for Illinois and Missouri,” The St. Louis Bar Journal, Summer 2004
Husch Blackwell LLP