Recent Publications and News
PUBLICATIONS:
Aviation Security:
General Aviation Security: Risk, Perception, and Reality.
Access this article by clicking here.
Climate Change:
Developing Adaptive Strategies in a Changing Environment.
Access this article by clicking here.
Oil and Chemical Spill Prevention:
How Environmental Regulators Can Address Human Factors
in Oil Spill Prevention Using Crew Resource Management.
Access this article by clicking here.
NEWS:
February 2015:
Hodge addresses the South Carolina Aviation Association:
John Adams Hodge conducted an educational session at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Aviation Association in Charleston, South Carolina on the topic of "Minimizing Hazardous Obstructions in Navigable Airspace: Lessons from the South Carolina Aeronautics Code, Local Zoning, & Legal Authorities." The program was a natural combination of the firm's expertise in environmental and aviation law.
The session was advertised as: "Discover the tools and legal authorities that are available to airport sponsors to deal with the incursion of hazardous obstructions and obstacles into navigable airspace in the vicinity of airports. This session will focus on recent changes to the South Carolina Aeronautics Code that seek to avoid incompatible land uses, and in particular, obstructions in the vicinity of airports. The presentation will discuss aspects of state law, local zoning, legal precedent, and guidance that are relevant to airports in the prevention or elimination of obstructions affecting air safety and airport operations. In addition, the presentation will focus on several case histories to illustrate how airports and land use agencies can develop practical solutions to address obstructions that have the potential to adversely impact navigable airspace and air safety."
September 2014
John Adams Hodge again named to the Best Lawyers in America:
John Adams Hodge was again named as one of the Best Lawyers in America in the field of Environmental Law. According to the selection criteria, “Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer-review. The methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services.” Hodge and Associates, LLC is also named as one of the Best Law Firms in America. We are proud to retain this designation and to work hard for our clients day after day.
Hodge to Address the South Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals in October 2014:
John Adams Hodge will be the featured speaker at the October meeting of the South Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals. He will speak about “Ubiquitous Contaminants: Suspected PAH Contamination from Coal Tar Rejuvenators and Sealcoat – A Problem or a Red Herring?” The talk will feature a description of the current state of the literature on the topic, and it will review the position of industry, the environmental community, and researchers on the subject. Mr. Hodge will present a nonregulatory approach that was adopted by a client to address the uncertainty of this topic in light of the absence of explicit EPA and state regulation of these substances.
Hodge Addresses Astronomers:
John Adams Hodge delivered an educational address entitled, The Early History of the Solar System: A Tale of Migrating Planets to the Midlands Astronomy Club in Columbia, South Carolina in September 2014. The presentation focused on recent research and modeling that indicates that the bodies in the Solar System have not always been located in orbits where they are found today. This talk was in conjunction to Mr. Hodge’s volunteer work with NASA’s Solar System Ambassador Program.
Summer 2014
Hodge Elected as a Fellow in the Royal Geographical Society:
John Adams Hodge was elected as a Fellow to the Royal Geographical Society in London. The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the UK's learned society and professional body for geography, founded in 1830. We are a world leader in advancing geography and supporting its practitioners in the UK and across the world. Mr. Hodge is also a Fellow in the Explorers Club, a New York based organization of explorers and scientists from around the world. He serves on the legal committee of the Explorers Club and is a former Chapter Chair of the Greater Piedmont Chapter.
Hodge Featured in the University of South Carolina Alumni Magazine:
John Adams Hodge was featured in the Spring 2014 issue of the Carolinian, the alumni quarterly of the University of South Carolina. The article addressed Mr. Hodge’s lifelong interest in astronomy, and his volunteer work in the NASA Solar System Ambassador Program and similar outreach programs, and his participation in a private astronomical observatory complex at a dark sky site outside of Columbia, South Carolina.
Hodge & Associates Co-Sponsors Road Race:
For the third year in a row, Hodge & Associates, LLC was a co-sponsor of the "Rum Run and Chicken Walk" at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. The event is a 5k and 10k road race that attracted about 100 runners and walkers over Memorial Day weekend. Over $1000 was raised for a local food bank that benefits residents in the area.
Spring 2014
Article on Aviation Security Released:
John Adams Hodge published an in depth article analyzing current legal issues in aviation security in the Spring 2014 issue of the American Bar Association Journal, Air and Space Lawyer. The article, General Aviation Security: Risk, Perception, and Reality reviews the law, policy, and psychology related to security, aircraft searches, and detention in the post 9/11 environment. In addition, Mr. Hodge presented an educational session on general aviation security and pilot rights at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Aviation Association in Charleston, South Carolina in February 2014.
September 2013
John Adams Hodge, again selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America.
Hodge & Associates, LLC is pleased to announce that John Adams Hodge was again selected in 2013 by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in America in the field of Environmental Law. This year’s “Best Lawyers” were announced on August 1, 2013. Mr. Hodge brings almost 30 years of experience to the practice of environmental law in virtually all environmental regulatory programs; however, the bulk of his experience has been in the fields of water quality, hazardous waste management, Superfund law, assessment and remediation, groundwater quality, and in brownfields redevelopment.
September 2013
Hodge & Associates, LLC to coauthor Transportation Research Board report.
Hodge & Associates, LLC was selected as a team member to provide research and analytical expertise in an upcoming Transportation Research Board study of eminent domain law and policy around airports in the United States. The grant was awarded to Seay Law International of Florida, and Hodge & Associates, LLC was invited to participate with Seay Law International as a team member and coauthor. A report is expected in the third quarter of 2014. The Transportation Research Board is an arm of the National Research Council that is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.
July 2013
Hodge & Associates, LLC is proud to announce the creation of a strategic relationship with the CPERL Group.
John Adams Hodge and Geoffrey Chambers are proud to announce a joint collaboration of their law firms to better serve their clients in the field of environmental law, aviation law, regulatory law, and consumer protection law.
Mr. Hodge has a 30-year career as an environmental and aviation lawyer and is recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America. He is a Professional Geologist as well as an Adjunct Professor. Mr. Hodge has worked and taught in virtually all areas of environmental regulation, and has significant aviation industry experience, which he brings to service the clients of Hodge & Associates, LLC. He has degrees in Geology, Marine Science, Planetary Geology, and Law.
Mr. Chambers is a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and he has an educational background in law, environmental engineering, and biology. His broad experience ranges from complex multistate litigation, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, labor and professional license defense, to the design and permitting of water quality treatment systems, aquaculture, structural design, geotechnical design, groundwater contamination, and groundwater remediation.
Our practice includes regulatory support in permitting, enforcement, and compliance before state and federal environmental agencies such as SCDHEC, EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, brownfields redevelopment, economic development and environmental concerns, administrative law practice and litigation in state and federal courts, licensing boards, FAA and NTSB matters, business and corporate matters related to aviation including certification, flight department, corporate and commercial aviation support, leasing and conveyances, regulatory matters, and consulting. Each firm will retain its office; however, the two organizations are now collaborating to combine their expertise to serve their clients with greater resources. To link to the CPERL Group website, click here.
May 2013:
Hodge and Associates, LLC is a proud co-sponsor of the annual “Rum Run and Chicken Walk” road race at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. The proceeds of the race are donated to the local food bank.
April 2013:
Mr. Hodge spoke at the TEDxYouth program in Columbia, South Carolina. John Adams Hodge was an invited guest speaker at a TED youth event in Columbia that had over 200 registrants. His topic was “New Perspectives on the Search for Life in the Universe.”
John Adams Hodge is one of the featured artists in the annual Artista Vista Festival in Columbia, South Carolina. His images are on display until late May 2013 at the Gallery at DuPre on Gervais Steeet. These images are part of an exhibit called “Gastrophotography” which is a feature involving food.
Hodge & Associates completed an overhaul of the approved specification regarding the use of rejuvenating substances at public use airports on behalf of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. Integral in the writing of this specification was a questionnaire and standards that are designed to protect the environment.
November 2012:
Hodge and Associates, LLC completed a project for a major mining company that provided a comparative review of various state and federal laws, regulations, and policies governing mining, the environment, and economic incentives in the United States.
June 2012:
Aeronautics legislation authored by John Hodge passed the House and Senate, and was signed by the Governor. The South Carolina Division of Aeronautics commissioned Mr. Hodge to rewrite and update Title 55, the South Carolina Code on Aeronautics. After almost three years of work, the first comprehensive overhaul of the statue was signed by the Governor on June 18, 2012. Among the highlights of the bill are provisions that address land use in the vicinity of public use airports, give the Division of Aeronautics specific statutory authority to operate, including operation of a flight department and improvements to the State Aviation Fund, and provide protection for airport operations, seaplanes, and pilots. Portions of the Code, which date back to the 1920s, were antiquated with references to the Civil Aeronautics Board which was abolished in the 1970s, and it also referred to pilots as "aeronauts." The bill can be found here.
May 2012:
Hodge & Associates, LLC announces a new logo! In May we rolled out our new logo which features an American Bald Eagle in flight. The logo symbolizes our dedication to the environment, to the freedom of flight, and to the American spirit. It was designed by Professor Pamela Seay, Esquire of Florida Gulf Coast University, for whom we are very grateful. The logo can be viewed here.
In the first use of our logo, we were a sponsor of the "Rum Run and Chicken Walk" 5k and 10k road race at Edisto Island, South Carolina which took place over the Memorial Day weekend. The even raised almost $1,000 for a local food bank.
April 2012:
John Hodge served on a panel discussion at the 20th Annual Hydrogeology Symposium at Clemson University on April 12. 2012. The panel discussed current professional issues involved in the practice of geology. Mr. Hodge was on a panel with four fellow Professional Geologists (P.G.s) representing consulting, government, industry, and the South Carolina Board for the Registration of Geologists.
January 2012:
John Hodge spoke to the Carolina's Chapter of Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists near Charlotte, N.C. on January 26, 2012. His talk was entitled, "Money for Nothing, Contamination for Free." For more information, access the link here.
November 2011:
John Hodge is admitted to the American Arbitration Association's Panel of Arbitrators. Mr. Hodge completed training at the American Arbitration Association University in the Seattle, Washington office of AAA. He is now available nationwide to arbitrate matters involving commercial, environmental disputes, and civil disputes.
October 2011:
John Hodge mentioned in editorial piece regarding collaboration between business and environmental interests in the building of the Boeing 787 plant. Over 10,000 acres of wetlands and uplands were conserved as part of an innovative project. The Op Ed article ran in the Charleston Post and Courier on October 11, 2011. Access this article by clicking here.
September 2011:
John Hodge spoke at the September meeting of the South Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals.
On September 15, 2011 Mr. Hodge was the featured speaker, and the presentation announcement and program summary is included below:
September 2011
John Adams Hodge, P.G. and Attorney will be our speaker for the September SCAPE meeting. The title of John’s talk will be “Money for Nothing, P.G.s for Free: A Practical Review of Legal Developments in Geoscience Practice.” John will review with us several recent South Carolina court decisions that involve environmental consultants. Topics will include attempts by lawyers to claim privilege over compliance reports, environmental data, and groundwater data and interpretation. John will talk about Phase I reports gone bad, and comment on practical steps in the site assessment process. If time permits, he may also address issues for geoscientists when called upon to provide expert opinions. The talk should promote a lively discussion of the professional responsibilities of environmental consultants.
John Hodge speaks to Paralegal Society:
On September 21, 2011 John Adams Hodge spoke to the Columbia Paralegal Society at their monthly meeting. He discussed trends in environmental law and regulation and discussed concerns that paralegals should have in identifying and addressing environmental issues. His talk referenced issues of particular interest to paralegals in real estate, litigation, and administrative law practice. He also discussed how applying human factors research in an office context can lead to a more productive and satisfying law practice.
February 2015:
Hodge addresses the South Carolina Aviation Association:
John Adams Hodge conducted an educational session at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Aviation Association in Charleston, South Carolina on the topic of "Minimizing Hazardous Obstructions in Navigable Airspace: Lessons from the South Carolina Aeronautics Code, Local Zoning, & Legal Authorities." The program was a natural combination of the firm's expertise in environmental and aviation law.
The session was advertised as: "Discover the tools and legal authorities that are available to airport sponsors to deal with the incursion of hazardous obstructions and obstacles into navigable airspace in the vicinity of airports. This session will focus on recent changes to the South Carolina Aeronautics Code that seek to avoid incompatible land uses, and in particular, obstructions in the vicinity of airports. The presentation will discuss aspects of state law, local zoning, legal precedent, and guidance that are relevant to airports in the prevention or elimination of obstructions affecting air safety and airport operations. In addition, the presentation will focus on several case histories to illustrate how airports and land use agencies can develop practical solutions to address obstructions that have the potential to adversely impact navigable airspace and air safety."
September 2014
John Adams Hodge again named to the Best Lawyers in America:
John Adams Hodge was again named as one of the Best Lawyers in America in the field of Environmental Law. According to the selection criteria, “Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer-review. The methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services.” Hodge and Associates, LLC is also named as one of the Best Law Firms in America. We are proud to retain this designation and to work hard for our clients day after day.
Hodge to Address the South Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals in October 2014:
John Adams Hodge will be the featured speaker at the October meeting of the South Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals. He will speak about “Ubiquitous Contaminants: Suspected PAH Contamination from Coal Tar Rejuvenators and Sealcoat – A Problem or a Red Herring?” The talk will feature a description of the current state of the literature on the topic, and it will review the position of industry, the environmental community, and researchers on the subject. Mr. Hodge will present a nonregulatory approach that was adopted by a client to address the uncertainty of this topic in light of the absence of explicit EPA and state regulation of these substances.
Hodge Addresses Astronomers:
John Adams Hodge delivered an educational address entitled, The Early History of the Solar System: A Tale of Migrating Planets to the Midlands Astronomy Club in Columbia, South Carolina in September 2014. The presentation focused on recent research and modeling that indicates that the bodies in the Solar System have not always been located in orbits where they are found today. This talk was in conjunction to Mr. Hodge’s volunteer work with NASA’s Solar System Ambassador Program.
Summer 2014
Hodge Elected as a Fellow in the Royal Geographical Society:
John Adams Hodge was elected as a Fellow to the Royal Geographical Society in London. The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the UK's learned society and professional body for geography, founded in 1830. We are a world leader in advancing geography and supporting its practitioners in the UK and across the world. Mr. Hodge is also a Fellow in the Explorers Club, a New York based organization of explorers and scientists from around the world. He serves on the legal committee of the Explorers Club and is a former Chapter Chair of the Greater Piedmont Chapter.
Hodge Featured in the University of South Carolina Alumni Magazine:
John Adams Hodge was featured in the Spring 2014 issue of the Carolinian, the alumni quarterly of the University of South Carolina. The article addressed Mr. Hodge’s lifelong interest in astronomy, and his volunteer work in the NASA Solar System Ambassador Program and similar outreach programs, and his participation in a private astronomical observatory complex at a dark sky site outside of Columbia, South Carolina.
Hodge & Associates Co-Sponsors Road Race:
For the third year in a row, Hodge & Associates, LLC was a co-sponsor of the "Rum Run and Chicken Walk" at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. The event is a 5k and 10k road race that attracted about 100 runners and walkers over Memorial Day weekend. Over $1000 was raised for a local food bank that benefits residents in the area.
Spring 2014
Article on Aviation Security Released:
John Adams Hodge published an in depth article analyzing current legal issues in aviation security in the Spring 2014 issue of the American Bar Association Journal, Air and Space Lawyer. The article, General Aviation Security: Risk, Perception, and Reality reviews the law, policy, and psychology related to security, aircraft searches, and detention in the post 9/11 environment. In addition, Mr. Hodge presented an educational session on general aviation security and pilot rights at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Aviation Association in Charleston, South Carolina in February 2014.
September 2013
John Adams Hodge, again selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America.
Hodge & Associates, LLC is pleased to announce that John Adams Hodge was again selected in 2013 by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in America in the field of Environmental Law. This year’s “Best Lawyers” were announced on August 1, 2013. Mr. Hodge brings almost 30 years of experience to the practice of environmental law in virtually all environmental regulatory programs; however, the bulk of his experience has been in the fields of water quality, hazardous waste management, Superfund law, assessment and remediation, groundwater quality, and in brownfields redevelopment.
September 2013
Hodge & Associates, LLC to coauthor Transportation Research Board report.
Hodge & Associates, LLC was selected as a team member to provide research and analytical expertise in an upcoming Transportation Research Board study of eminent domain law and policy around airports in the United States. The grant was awarded to Seay Law International of Florida, and Hodge & Associates, LLC was invited to participate with Seay Law International as a team member and coauthor. A report is expected in the third quarter of 2014. The Transportation Research Board is an arm of the National Research Council that is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.
July 2013
Hodge & Associates, LLC is proud to announce the creation of a strategic relationship with the CPERL Group.
John Adams Hodge and Geoffrey Chambers are proud to announce a joint collaboration of their law firms to better serve their clients in the field of environmental law, aviation law, regulatory law, and consumer protection law.
Mr. Hodge has a 30-year career as an environmental and aviation lawyer and is recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America. He is a Professional Geologist as well as an Adjunct Professor. Mr. Hodge has worked and taught in virtually all areas of environmental regulation, and has significant aviation industry experience, which he brings to service the clients of Hodge & Associates, LLC. He has degrees in Geology, Marine Science, Planetary Geology, and Law.
Mr. Chambers is a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and he has an educational background in law, environmental engineering, and biology. His broad experience ranges from complex multistate litigation, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, labor and professional license defense, to the design and permitting of water quality treatment systems, aquaculture, structural design, geotechnical design, groundwater contamination, and groundwater remediation.
Our practice includes regulatory support in permitting, enforcement, and compliance before state and federal environmental agencies such as SCDHEC, EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, brownfields redevelopment, economic development and environmental concerns, administrative law practice and litigation in state and federal courts, licensing boards, FAA and NTSB matters, business and corporate matters related to aviation including certification, flight department, corporate and commercial aviation support, leasing and conveyances, regulatory matters, and consulting. Each firm will retain its office; however, the two organizations are now collaborating to combine their expertise to serve their clients with greater resources. To link to the CPERL Group website, click here.
May 2013:
Hodge and Associates, LLC is a proud co-sponsor of the annual “Rum Run and Chicken Walk” road race at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. The proceeds of the race are donated to the local food bank.
April 2013:
Mr. Hodge spoke at the TEDxYouth program in Columbia, South Carolina. John Adams Hodge was an invited guest speaker at a TED youth event in Columbia that had over 200 registrants. His topic was “New Perspectives on the Search for Life in the Universe.”
John Adams Hodge is one of the featured artists in the annual Artista Vista Festival in Columbia, South Carolina. His images are on display until late May 2013 at the Gallery at DuPre on Gervais Steeet. These images are part of an exhibit called “Gastrophotography” which is a feature involving food.
Hodge & Associates completed an overhaul of the approved specification regarding the use of rejuvenating substances at public use airports on behalf of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. Integral in the writing of this specification was a questionnaire and standards that are designed to protect the environment.
November 2012:
Hodge and Associates, LLC completed a project for a major mining company that provided a comparative review of various state and federal laws, regulations, and policies governing mining, the environment, and economic incentives in the United States.
June 2012:
Aeronautics legislation authored by John Hodge passed the House and Senate, and was signed by the Governor. The South Carolina Division of Aeronautics commissioned Mr. Hodge to rewrite and update Title 55, the South Carolina Code on Aeronautics. After almost three years of work, the first comprehensive overhaul of the statue was signed by the Governor on June 18, 2012. Among the highlights of the bill are provisions that address land use in the vicinity of public use airports, give the Division of Aeronautics specific statutory authority to operate, including operation of a flight department and improvements to the State Aviation Fund, and provide protection for airport operations, seaplanes, and pilots. Portions of the Code, which date back to the 1920s, were antiquated with references to the Civil Aeronautics Board which was abolished in the 1970s, and it also referred to pilots as "aeronauts." The bill can be found here.
May 2012:
Hodge & Associates, LLC announces a new logo! In May we rolled out our new logo which features an American Bald Eagle in flight. The logo symbolizes our dedication to the environment, to the freedom of flight, and to the American spirit. It was designed by Professor Pamela Seay, Esquire of Florida Gulf Coast University, for whom we are very grateful. The logo can be viewed here.
In the first use of our logo, we were a sponsor of the "Rum Run and Chicken Walk" 5k and 10k road race at Edisto Island, South Carolina which took place over the Memorial Day weekend. The even raised almost $1,000 for a local food bank.
April 2012:
John Hodge served on a panel discussion at the 20th Annual Hydrogeology Symposium at Clemson University on April 12. 2012. The panel discussed current professional issues involved in the practice of geology. Mr. Hodge was on a panel with four fellow Professional Geologists (P.G.s) representing consulting, government, industry, and the South Carolina Board for the Registration of Geologists.
January 2012:
John Hodge spoke to the Carolina's Chapter of Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists near Charlotte, N.C. on January 26, 2012. His talk was entitled, "Money for Nothing, Contamination for Free." For more information, access the link here.
November 2011:
John Hodge is admitted to the American Arbitration Association's Panel of Arbitrators. Mr. Hodge completed training at the American Arbitration Association University in the Seattle, Washington office of AAA. He is now available nationwide to arbitrate matters involving commercial, environmental disputes, and civil disputes.
October 2011:
John Hodge mentioned in editorial piece regarding collaboration between business and environmental interests in the building of the Boeing 787 plant. Over 10,000 acres of wetlands and uplands were conserved as part of an innovative project. The Op Ed article ran in the Charleston Post and Courier on October 11, 2011. Access this article by clicking here.
September 2011:
John Hodge spoke at the September meeting of the South Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals.
On September 15, 2011 Mr. Hodge was the featured speaker, and the presentation announcement and program summary is included below:
September 2011
John Adams Hodge, P.G. and Attorney will be our speaker for the September SCAPE meeting. The title of John’s talk will be “Money for Nothing, P.G.s for Free: A Practical Review of Legal Developments in Geoscience Practice.” John will review with us several recent South Carolina court decisions that involve environmental consultants. Topics will include attempts by lawyers to claim privilege over compliance reports, environmental data, and groundwater data and interpretation. John will talk about Phase I reports gone bad, and comment on practical steps in the site assessment process. If time permits, he may also address issues for geoscientists when called upon to provide expert opinions. The talk should promote a lively discussion of the professional responsibilities of environmental consultants.
John Hodge speaks to Paralegal Society:
On September 21, 2011 John Adams Hodge spoke to the Columbia Paralegal Society at their monthly meeting. He discussed trends in environmental law and regulation and discussed concerns that paralegals should have in identifying and addressing environmental issues. His talk referenced issues of particular interest to paralegals in real estate, litigation, and administrative law practice. He also discussed how applying human factors research in an office context can lead to a more productive and satisfying law practice.