Common use of COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Clause in Contracts

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS - The Company is subject to extensive and evolving federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations in the United States and elsewhere that have been enacted in response to technological advances and the public's increased concern over environmental issues. As a result of changing governmental attitudes in this area, management anticipates that the Company will continually modify or replace facilities and alter methods of operation. The majority of the expenditures necessary to comply with the environmental laws and regulations are made in the normal course of business. Although the Company, to the best of its knowledge, is in compliance in all material respects with the laws and regulations affecting its operations, there is no assurance that the Company will not have to expend substantial amounts for compliance in the future. LITIGATION - As of June 30, 1998, the Company or its subsidiaries has been notified that they are potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") in connection with eight locations listed on the Superfund National Priorities List ("NPL"). None of the eight NPL sites at which claims have been made against the Company are owned by the Company, and they are at different procedural stages under Superfund. At six of the NPL sites, the Company's liability is well defined as a consequence of a governmental decision as to the appropriate remedy. At the others, where investigations have not been completed, remedies have not been selected or responsible parties have been unable to reach an agreement, the Company's liability is less certain. While the Company, based on its status reviews of its PRP claims, does not currently anticipate that the amount of such liabilities will have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations, financial condition or cash flows, the measurement of environmental liabilities is inherently difficult and the possibility remains that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of environmental studies, or other factors could materially alter this expectation at any time. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to various other litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In the normal course of its business and as a result of the extensive government regulation of the solid waste industry, the Company periodically may become subject to various judicial and administrative proceedings and investigations involving federal, state, or local agencies. To date, the Company has not been required to pay any material fine or had a judgment entered against it for violation of any environmental law. From time to time, the Company also may be subjected to actions brought by citizen's groups in connection with the permitting of landfills or transfer stations, or alleging violations of the permits pursuant to which the Company operates. From time to time, the Company is also subject to claims for personal injury or property damage arising out of accidents involving its vehicles or other equipment.