Question

Environmental remediation costs have become increasingly prevalent in the past few decades. Conduct research in the Accounting Standards Codification to address the following requirements. Also, please be sure to provide a citation to the appropriate codification section (using the full paragraph number, i.e. ASC XXX-XX-XX).

What costs are generally included in the liability?

Answer 1

In accordance with ASC 410-30-30-13, ASC 410-30-30-17 and ASC 410-30-55-1 through 55-3, the following costs are included

Salaries and wages to employees who devote or are expected to devote a significant amount of time DIRECTLY to remediation.

Cost of operation and maintenance of the remedial action

Machinery and other assets that are for the remedial action and which DO NOT have any alternative use

Government oversight costs and past costs

Any amount paid to any contractor for the remedial action

Any fee paid to a consultant to develop a remedial action or for site investigations

Costs for feasibility study

Legal costs for determining extent of remedial action, type of remedial action