Delaware
|
51-0002090
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|
-------------------------------------------------
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
|
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
||
Title of each class
|
Trading Symbol (s)
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
Common Stock
|
ARTNA
|
|
☑
|
Yes
|
□
|
No
|
☑
|
Yes
|
□
|
No
|
Large Accelerated Filer □
|
Accelerated Filer ☐
|
Non-accelerated Filer ☑
|
Smaller Reporting Company ☒
|
Emerging Growth Company ☐
|
☐
|
Yes
|
☑
|
No
|
-
|
||||
-
|
Page(s)
|
|||
3
|
||||
4
|
||||
5
|
||||
6
|
||||
7 - 21
|
||||
-
|
22 - 30
|
|||
-
|
30
|
|||
-
|
31
|
|||
-
|
31
|
|||
-
|
31
|
|||
-
|
32
|
|||
-
|
32
|
|||
32
|
||||
32
|
||||
32
|
||||
-
|
33
|
|||
Signatures
|
ASSETS
|
June 30, 2022
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||
Utility plant, at original cost (less accumulated depreciation - 2022 - $172,261; 2021 - $159,385)
|
$
|
639,513
|
$
|
590,431
|
||||
Current assets
|
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
220
|
92
|
||||||
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts - 2022 - $466; 2021 - $429)
|
8,114
|
8,367
|
||||||
Income tax receivable
|
766
|
2,234
|
||||||
Unbilled operating revenues
|
2,149
|
1,080
|
||||||
Materials and supplies
|
2,869
|
1,933
|
||||||
Prepaid property taxes
|
21
|
2,306
|
||||||
Prepaid expenses and other
|
2,792
|
2,652
|
||||||
Total current assets
|
16,931
|
18,664
|
||||||
Other assets
|
||||||||
Non-utility property (less accumulated depreciation - 2022 - $956; 2021 - $919)
|
3,759
|
3,751
|
||||||
Other deferred assets
|
7,116
|
5,097
|
||||||
Operating lease right of use
assets
|
445
|
451
|
||||||
Total other assets
|
11,320
|
9,299
|
||||||
Regulatory assets, net
|
6,314
|
6,321
|
||||||
Total Assets
|
$
|
674,078
|
$
|
624,715
|
||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||
Stockholders' equity
|
||||||||
Common stock
|
$
|
9,459
|
$
|
9,414
|
||||
Preferred stock
|
—
|
—
|
||||||
Additional paid-in capital
|
105,984
|
104,989
|
||||||
Retained earnings
|
65,459
|
63,607
|
||||||
Total stockholders' equity
|
180,902
|
178,010
|
||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion
|
173,597
|
143,259
|
||||||
354,499
|
321,269
|
|||||||
Current liabilities
|
||||||||
Lines of credit
|
9,580
|
26,703
|
||||||
Current portion of long-term debt
|
1,996
|
1,591
|
||||||
Dividends payable
|
2,581
|
—
|
||||||
Accounts payable
|
8,576
|
10,206
|
||||||
Accrued expenses
|
3,748
|
4,038
|
||||||
Overdraft payable
|
334
|
30
|
||||||
Accrued interest
|
896
|
917
|
||||||
Income taxes payable
|
792
|
-
|
||||||
Customer and other deposits
|
2,394
|
2,273
|
||||||
Other
|
2,593
|
1,448
|
||||||
Total current liabilities
|
33,490
|
47,206
|
||||||
Commitments and contingencies
|
||||||||
Deferred credits and other liabilities
|
||||||||
Net advances for construction
|
4,174
|
4,295
|
||||||
Operating lease liabilities
|
440
|
440
|
||||||
Regulatory liabilities
|
21,632
|
21,260
|
||||||
Deferred investment tax credits
|
447
|
456
|
||||||
Deferred income taxes
|
52,701
|
53,133
|
||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities
|
79,394
|
79,584
|
||||||
Net contributions in aid of construction
|
206,695
|
176,656
|
||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
|
$
|
674,078
|
$
|
624,715
|
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
|||||||||||||
Operating revenues
|
||||||||||||||||
Water sales
|
$
|
19,722
|
$
|
20,078
|
$
|
37,865
|
$
|
37,908
|
||||||||
Other utility operating revenue
|
2,914
|
1,014
|
5,440
|
2,390
|
||||||||||||
Non-utility operating revenue
|
2,375
|
1,377
|
3,893
|
2,815
|
||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues
|
25,011
|
22,469
|
47,198
|
43,113
|
||||||||||||
Operating expenses
|
||||||||||||||||
Utility operating expenses
|
10,070
|
9,661
|
20,566
|
19,166
|
||||||||||||
Non-utility operating expenses
|
1,905
|
862
|
2,847
|
1,777
|
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
3,055
|
2,976
|
6,140
|
5,988
|
||||||||||||
State and federal income taxes
|
1,725
|
1,542
|
3,144
|
2,893
|
||||||||||||
Property and other taxes
|
1,413
|
1,341
|
2,914
|
2,761
|
||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses
|
18,168
|
16,382
|
35,611
|
32,585
|
||||||||||||
Operating income
|
6,843
|
6,087
|
11,587
|
10,528
|
||||||||||||
Other income, net
|
||||||||||||||||
Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC)
|
324
|
371
|
505
|
615
|
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous (expense) income
|
(33
|
)
|
(59
|
)
|
1,412
|
1,343
|
||||||||||
Income before interest charges
|
7,134
|
6,399
|
13,504
|
12,486
|
||||||||||||
Interest charges
|
2,088
|
1,894
|
3,975
|
3,775
|
||||||||||||
Net income applicable to common stock
|
$
|
5,046
|
$
|
4,505
|
$
|
9,529
|
$
|
8,711
|
||||||||
Income per common share:
|
||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
$
|
0.53
|
$
|
0.48
|
$
|
1.01
|
$
|
0.93
|
||||||||
Diluted
|
$
|
0.53
|
$
|
0.48
|
$
|
1.01
|
$
|
0.93
|
||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
|
||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
9,452
|
9,395
|
9,438
|
9,381
|
||||||||||||
Diluted
|
9,470
|
9,425
|
9,464
|
9,416
|
||||||||||||
Cash dividends per share of common stock
|
$
|
0.2729
|
$
|
0.2610
|
$
|
0.5404
|
$
|
0.5181
|
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
|
||||||||
2022
|
2021
|
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
||||||||
Net income
|
$
|
9,529
|
$
|
8,711
|
||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
6,140
|
5,988
|
||||||
Deferred income taxes, net
|
(640
|
)
|
(3,073
|
)
|
||||
Stock compensation
|
104
|
92
|
||||||
AFUDC, equity portion
|
(349
|
)
|
(415
|
)
|
||||
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
|
||||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
|
204
|
434
|
||||||
Income tax receivable
|
1,468
|
559
|
||||||
Unbilled operating revenues
|
(704
|
)
|
(599
|
)
|
||||
Materials and supplies
|
(936
|
)
|
68
|
|||||
Prepaid property taxes
|
2,862
|
1,891
|
||||||
Prepaid expenses and other
|
(130
|
)
|
(754
|
)
|
||||
Other deferred assets
|
511
|
(467
|
)
|
|||||
Regulatory assets
|
185
|
(71
|
)
|
|||||
Regulatory liabilities
|
(254
|
)
|
(297
|
)
|
||||
Income tax payable
|
792
|
2,362
|
||||||
Accounts payable
|
(4,680
|
)
|
(1,071
|
)
|
||||
Accrued expenses
|
(934
|
)
|
(124
|
)
|
||||
Accrued interest
|
(21
|
)
|
(25
|
)
|
||||
Deposits and other
|
441
|
567
|
||||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
13,588
|
13,776
|
||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
||||||||
Capital expenditures (net of AFUDC, equity portion)
|
(23,266
|
)
|
(19,418
|
)
|
||||
Investment in acquisitions, net of cash acquired
|
(6,341
|
)
|
—
|
|||||
Proceeds from sale of assets
|
41
|
15
|
||||||
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
(29,566
|
)
|
(19,403
|
)
|
||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
||||||||
Net (repayments) under lines of credit agreements
|
(17,123
|
)
|
(1,120
|
)
|
||||
Deferred debt issuance cost
|
(102
|
)
|
—
|
|||||
Increase in overdraft payable
|
304
|
403
|
||||||
Net advances and contributions in aid of construction
|
8,013
|
9,786
|
||||||
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
|
936
|
941
|
||||||
Issuance of long-term debt
|
30,000
|
1,720
|
||||||
Dividends paid
|
(5,096
|
)
|
(4,856
|
)
|
||||
Principal repayments of long-term debt
|
(826
|
)
|
(906
|
)
|
||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
16,106
|
5,968
|
||||||
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
128
|
341
|
||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
92
|
28
|
||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
|
$
|
220
|
$
|
369
|
||||
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activity:
|
||||||||
Utility plant received as construction advances and contributions
|
$
|
3,243
|
$
|
2,334
|
||||
Dividends declared but not paid
|
2,581
|
2,454
|
||||||
Amounts included in accounts payable and accrued payables related to capital expenditures
|
1,761
|
2,723
|
||||||
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
|
||||||||
Interest paid
|
$
|
3,996
|
$
|
3,800
|
||||
Income taxes paid
|
$
|
743
|
$
|
3,248
|
||||
Preliminary purchase price of allocation of investment in acquisitions:
|
||||||||
Utility plant
|
$
|
28,335
|
$
|
—
|
||||
Cash
|
280
|
—
|
||||||
Other assets
|
3,580
|
—
|
||||||
Total assets
|
32,195
|
—
|
||||||
Less:
|
||||||||
Liabilities
|
3,536
|
—
|
||||||
Future contractual obligation payable to seller
|
1,569
|
—
|
||||||
Contributions in aid of construction
|
20,469
|
—
|
||||||
Cash paid for acquisition
|
6,621
|
—
|
||||||
Cash received from acquisition
|
280
|
—
|
||||||
Net cash paid for acquisition
|
$
|
6,341
|
$
|
—
|
|
Common Shares Outstanding Class A Non-Voting (1) (3) (4)
|
Common Shares Outstanding Class B Voting (2)
|
$1 Par Value Class A Non-Voting
|
$1 Par Value Class B Voting
|
Additional Paid-in Capital
|
Retained Earnings
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2020
|
8,475
|
882
|
$
|
8,475
|
$
|
882
|
$
|
103,463
|
$
|
56,606
|
$
|
169,426
|
||||||||||||||||
Net income
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
4,206
|
4,206
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(2,406
|
)
|
(2,406
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend reinvestment plan
|
3
|
—
|
3
|
—
|
95
|
—
|
98
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock options and awards(4)
|
22
|
—
|
22
|
—
|
438
|
—
|
460
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Employee Retirement Plan(3)
|
2
|
—
|
2
|
—
|
84
|
—
|
86
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2021
|
8,502
|
882
|
8,502
|
882
|
104,080
|
58,406
|
171,870
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Net income
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
4,505
|
4,505
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(4,904
|
)
|
(4,904
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend reinvestment plan
|
2
|
—
|
2
|
—
|
103
|
—
|
105
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock options and awards(4)
|
11
|
—
|
11
|
—
|
165
|
—
|
176
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Employee Retirement Plan(3)
|
3
|
—
|
3
|
—
|
105
|
—
|
108
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2021
|
8,518
|
882
|
8,518
|
882
|
104,453
|
58,007
|
171,860
|
|
Common Shares Outstanding Class A Non-Voting (1) (3) (4)
|
|
Common Shares Outstanding Class B Voting (2)
|
|
$1 Par Value Class A Non-Voting
|
|
$1 Par Value Class B Voting
|
|
Additional Paid-in Capital
|
|
Retained Earnings
|
|
Total
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021
|
8,532
|
|
|
882
|
|
$
|
8,532
|
|
$
|
882
|
|
$
|
104,989
|
|
$
|
63,607
|
|
$
|
178,010
|
|
Net income
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,483
|
|
|
4,483
|
Cash dividends declared
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Common stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,518)
|
|
(2,518)
|
|
Issuance of common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend reinvestment plan
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
87
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
89
|
Employee stock options and awards(4)
|
|
22
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
475
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
497
|
Employee Retirement Plan(3)
|
|
0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0
|
Balance as of March 31, 2022
|
8,556
|
882
|
8,556
|
882
|
105,551
|
65,572
|
180,561
|
|||||||||||||
Net income
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
5,046
|
5,046
|
|||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(5,159)
|
(5,159)
|
|||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend reinvestment plan
|
2
|
—
|
2
|
—
|
97
|
—
|
99
|
|||||||||||||
Employee stock options and awards(4)
|
19
|
—
|
19
|
—
|
336
|
—
|
355
|
|||||||||||||
Employee Retirement Plan(3)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2022
|
|
8,577
|
|
|
882
|
|
8,577
|
|
882
|
|
105,984
|
|
65,459
|
|
180,902
|
(1) |
At June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, Class A Common Stock had 15,000,000 shares authorized. For the same periods,
shares issued, inclusive of treasury shares, were 8,606,597 and 8,548,106, respectively.
|
(2) |
At June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, Class B Common Stock had 1,040,000 shares authorized and 881,452 shares issued.
|
(3) |
Artesian Resources Corporation registered 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, subsequently adjusted
for stock splits, available for purchase through the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan.
|
(4) |
Under the Equity Compensation Plan, effective December 9, 2015, or the 2015 Plan, Artesian Resources Corporation authorized up to 331,500 shares of Class A Common Stock for issuance of grants in the form of stock options, stock units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as
discussed in the 2015 Plan. Includes stock compensation expense for June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2021, see Note 5-Stock Compensation Plans.
|
(in thousands)
|
Three months ended
June 30, 2022
|
Three months ended
June 30, 2021
|
Six months ended
June 30, 2022
|
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
|
||||||||||||
Tariff Revenue
|
||||||||||||||||
Consumption charges
|
$
|
12,182
|
$
|
12,660
|
$
|
22,749
|
$
|
23,078
|
||||||||
Fixed fees
|
7,751
|
6,872
|
15,529
|
13,871
|
||||||||||||
Service charges
|
137
|
119
|
293
|
320
|
||||||||||||
DSIC
|
1,282
|
1,316
|
2,464
|
2,488
|
||||||||||||
Metered wastewater services
|
129
|
—
|
269
|
—
|
||||||||||||
Industrial wastewater services
|
422
|
(384
|
)
|
828
|
(379
|
)
|
||||||||||
Total Tariff Revenue
|
$
|
21,903
|
$
|
20,583
|
$
|
42,132
|
$
|
39,378
|
||||||||
Non-Tariff Revenue
|
||||||||||||||||
Service line protection plans
|
$
|
1,217
|
$
|
1,134
|
$
|
2,439
|
$
|
2,230
|
||||||||
Contract operations
|
242
|
217
|
453
|
447
|
||||||||||||
Design and installation
|
978
|
62
|
1,101
|
212
|
||||||||||||
Inspection fees
|
66
|
52
|
106
|
136
|
||||||||||||
Total Non-Tariff Revenue
|
$
|
2,503
|
$
|
1,465
|
$
|
4,099
|
$
|
3,025
|
||||||||
Other Operating Revenue
|
$
|
605
|
$
|
421
|
$
|
967
|
$
|
710
|
||||||||
Total Operating Revenue
|
$
|
25,011
|
$
|
22,469
|
$
|
47,198
|
$
|
43,113
|
(in thousands)
|
June 30, 2022
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||
Contract Assets – Tariff
|
$
|
3,156
|
$
|
2,144
|
||||
Deferred Revenue
|
||||||||
Deferred Revenue – Tariff
|
$
|
1,179
|
$
|
1,227
|
||||
Deferred Revenue – Non-Tariff
|
404
|
287
|
||||||
Total Deferred Revenue
|
$
|
1,583
|
$
|
1,514
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended
|
Six Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
June 30,
|
June 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
|||||||||||||
Minimum rentals
|
$
|
2
|
$
|
7
|
$
|
9
|
$
|
14
|
||||||||
Contingent rentals
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||||||
$
|
2
|
$
|
7
|
$
|
9
|
$
|
14
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|||||||
|
Six Months Ended
|
Six Months Ended
|
||||||
June 30, 2022
|
June 30, 2021
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
|
||||||||
Operating cash flows from operating leases
|
$
|
9
|
$
|
14
|
||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
|
||||||||
Operating leases
|
$
|
445
|
$
|
450
|
|
(in thousands,
except lease term and discount rate)
|
|||||||
|
June 30, 2022
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||
|
||||||||
Operating Leases:
|
||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets
|
$
|
445
|
$
|
451
|
||||
Other current liabilities
|
$
|
2
|
6
|
|||||
Operating lease liabilities
|
440
|
440
|
||||||
Total operating lease liabilities
|
$
|
442
|
$
|
446
|
||||
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
|
||||||||
Operating leases
|
61 years
|
61 years
|
||||||
Weighted Average Discount Rate
|
||||||||
Operating leases
|
5.0
|
%
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|||
|
Operating Leases
|
|||
Year
|
||||
2023
|
$
|
24
|
||
2024
|
24
|
|||
2025
|
24
|
|||
2026
|
24
|
|||
2027
|
25
|
|||
Thereafter
|
1,330
|
|||
Total undiscounted lease payments
|
$
|
1,451
|
||
Less effects of discounting
|
(1,009
|
)
|
||
Total lease liabilities recognized
|
$
|
442
|
Options
|
Restricted Awards
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Option Shares
|
Weighted Average Exercise Price
|
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Yrs.)
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
|
Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards
|
Weighted Average
Grant Date
FairValue
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Plan options/restricted stock awards
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2022
|
83,000
|
$
|
21.65
|
$
|
2,048
|
5,000
|
$
|
40.11
|
||||||||||||||||
Granted
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
5,000
|
45.58
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Exercised/vested and released
|
(35,750
|
)
|
20.93
|
905
|
(5,000
|
)
|
40.11
|
|||||||||||||||||
Expired/cancelled
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at June 30, 2022
|
47,250
|
$
|
22.20
|
1.425
|
$
|
1,274
|
5,000
|
$
|
40.11
|
|||||||||||||||
Exercisable/vested at June 30, 2022
|
47,250
|
$
|
22.20
|
1.425
|
$
|
1,274
|
—
|
—
|
In thousands
|
June 30, 2022
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in CoBank
|
$5,351
|
|
$4,850
|
Other deferred assets
|
1,765
|
|
247
|
|
$7,116
|
|
$5,097
|
Expense
|
Years Amortized
|
Deferred contract costs and other
|
5
|
Rate case studies
|
5
|
Delaware rate proceedings
|
2.5
|
Maryland rate proceedings
|
5
|
Debt related costs
|
15 to 30 (based on term of related debt)
|
Goodwill (resulting from acquisition of Mountain Hill Water Company in 2008)
|
50
|
Deferred acquisition costs (resulting from purchase of water assets in Cecil County, Maryland in 2011 and Port Deposit, Maryland in
2010)
|
20
|
Franchise Costs (resulting from purchase of water assets in Cecil County, Maryland in 2011)
|
80
|
Regulatory liabilities comprise:
|
||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
|||||||
|
June 30, 2022
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||
|
||||||||
Utility plant retirement cost obligation
|
$
|
169
|
$
|
149
|
||||
Deferred income taxes (related to TCJA)
|
21,463
|
21,111
|
||||||
$
|
21,632
|
$
|
21,260
|
For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
|||||||||||||
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding during the period for Basic computation
|
9,452
|
9,395
|
9,438
|
9,381
|
||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards
|
18
|
30
|
26
|
35
|
||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding during the period for Diluted computation
|
9,470
|
9,425
|
9,464
|
9,416
|
•
|
The DEPSC, regulates both Artesian Water and Artesian Wastewater.
|
•
|
The MDPSC, regulates both Artesian Water Maryland and Artesian Wastewater Maryland.
|
•
|
The PAPUC, regulates Artesian Water Pennsylvania.
|
In thousands
|
||||||||
June 30, 2022
|
December 31, 2021
|
|||||||
Carrying amount
|
$
|
175,593
|
$
|
144,850
|
||||
Estimated fair value
|
$
|
168,490
|
$
|
163,182
|
Repair and maintenance costs increased $0.4 million, primarily related to an increase in tank painting
costs under contract, an increase in water and wastewater treatment costs, an increase in overall maintenance costs associated with the TESI acquisition and an increase in fuel costs.
|
Administrative costs
increased $0.3 million, primarily due to an adjustment made in June 2021 to reduce the additional bad debt reserve from 2020 associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
Payroll and employee benefit costs increased $0.2 million, primarily related to an increase in overall
compensation.
|
Purchased power costs increased $0.1 million, primarily due to an increase in usage related to the
additional operational costs associated with the TESI acquisition and upgraded wastewater treatment facilities, in addition to an increase in overall water operations.
|
Purchased water costs decreased $0.6 million, related to a decrease of water purchased under a new contract, effective January 2022, in which the
minimum amount of water required to be purchased was reduced.
|
Repair and maintenance costs increased $1.0 million, related to an increase in maintenance costs primarily
associated with water treatment facilities and equipment, including an increase in water treatment filter replacements, an increase in tank painting costs under contract, an increase in wastewater treatment costs and an increase in fuel
costs. In addition, overall maintenance costs increased related to the TESI acquisition.
|
Administrative costs
increased $0.5 million, primarily due to an adjustment made in June 2021 to reduce the additional bad debt reserve from 2020 associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, outside contract services for wastewater treatment associated
with the TESI acquisition increased.
|
Payroll and employee benefit costs increased $0.5 million, primarily related to an increase in overall
compensation.
|
Purchased power costs increased $0.2 million, primarily due to an increase in usage related to the
additional operational costs associated with the TESI acquisition and upgraded wastewater treatment facilities, in addition to an increase in overall water operations.
|
Purchased water costs decreased $0.8 million, related to a decrease of water purchased under a new
contract, effective January 2022, in which the minimum amount of water required to be purchased was reduced.
|
Material Cash Requirements
|
Payments Due by Period
|
|||||||||||||
In thousands
|
Less than
1 Year
|
|
1-3
Years
|
|
4-5
Years
|
|
After 5
Years
|
|
Total
|
|||||
First mortgage bonds (principal and interest)
|
$
|
7,924
|
|
$
|
15,773
|
|
$
|
15,569
|
|
$
|
240,933
|
$
|
280,289
|
|
State revolving fund loans (principal and interest)
|
|
820
|
|
1,483
|
|
|
1,116
|
|
|
4,057
|
|
|
7,476
|
|
Promissory note (principal and interest)
|
961
|
1,921
|
1,924
|
11,094
|
15,900
|
|||||||||
Asset purchase contractual obligation (principal and interest)
|
345
|
672
|
647
|
---
|
1,664
|
|||||||||
Lines of credit
|
9,580
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
9,580
|
|||||||||
Operating leases
|
|
24
|
|
|
48
|
|
49
|
|
|
1,330
|
|
|
1,451
|
|
Operating agreements
|
59
|
78
|
83
|
804
|
1,024
|
|||||||||
Unconditional purchase obligations
|
774
|
1,525
|
1,103
|
---
|
3,402
|
|||||||||
Tank painting contractual obligation
|
|
392
|
|
|
392
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
---
|
|
784
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations
|
$
|
20,879
|
$
|
21,892
|
|
$
|
20,581
|
$
|
258,218
|
|
$
|
321,570
|
Exhibit No.
|
Description
|
Twenty-Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 29, 2022, between Artesian Water Company, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee.
|
|
Bond Purchase Agreement, dated April 29, 2022, by and between Artesian Water Company, Inc., and CoBank, ACB.
|
|
Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 11, 2022, by and among Artesian Water Company, Inc. a Delaware corporation, and the Town of Clayton, a
Delaware municipality.*
|
|
Settlement Agreement upon which The Chemours Company FC, LLC, Hercules, LLC, Waste Management of Delaware, Inc., SC Holdings, Inc., Cytec Industries,
Inc., Zeneca Inc., and Bayer CropScience Inc., collectively the Percentage Settlors, and the Delaware Sand and Gravel Remedial Trust, on one hand, and Artesian Water Company, Inc., on the other hand, have agreed to resolve certain of Artesian
Water’s claims and issues relating to releases of contaminants from the Delaware Sand & Gravel Landfill Superfund Site.*
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant required by Rule 13a–14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
|
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant required by Rule 13a–14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
|
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. Section 1350).**
|
|
|
|
101.BAL
|
Inline XBRL Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)*
|
101.OPS
|
Inline XBRL Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)*
|
101.CSH
|
Inline XBRL Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)*
|
101.NTS
|
Inline XBRL Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)*
|
104
|
The cover page from Artesian Resources Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022, formatted in Inline
XBRL (contained in exhibit 101).*
|
Date: August 5, 2022
|
By:
|
/s/ DIAN C. TAYLOR
|
|
|
|
Dian C. Taylor (Principal Executive Officer)
|
Date: August 5, 2022
|
By:
|
/s/ DAVID B. SPACHT
|
|
|
|
David B. Spacht (Principal Financial Officer)
|
Exhibit 31.1
|
|||||
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Artesian Resources Corporation
required by Rule 13a – 14 (a) under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended
|
|||||
|
|||||
I, Dian C. Taylor, certify that:
|
|
|
|||
|
|||||
1.
|
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 of Artesian Resources Corporation;
|
||||
|
|
||||
2.
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
|
||||
|
|
||||
3.
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
|
||||
|
|
||||
4.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
|
||||
|
|||||
a)
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
||||
b)
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
||||
c)
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
||||
d)
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
|
||||
|
|||||
5.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
|
||||
|
|||||
a)
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
||||
b)
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting.
|
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
Date: August 5, 2022
|
/s/ DIAN C. TAYLOR
|
||||
|
Dian C. Taylor
|
||||
|
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
|
Exhibit 31.2
|
|||
|
|||
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Artesian Resources Corporation
required by Rule 13a – 14 (a) under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended
|
|||
|
|||
I, David B. Spacht, certify that:
|
|||
|
|
||
1.
|
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 of Artesian Resources Corporation;
|
||
|
|
||
2.
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
|
||
|
|
||
3.
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
|
||
|
|
||
4.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
|
||
|
|||
a)
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
||
b)
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
||
c)
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
||
d)
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most
recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
|
||
|
|||
5.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
|
||
|
|||
a)
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
||
b)
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting.
|
||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Date: August 5, 2022
|
/s/ DAVID B. SPACHT
|
||
|
David B. Spacht
|
||
|
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
|
Exhibit 32
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
|
|
|
|
|
|
I, Dian C. Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, and David B. Spacht, Chief Financial Officer, of Artesian Resources Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, based on our knowledge:
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 (the " Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78m(a) or Section 78o(d)), as amended; and
|
|
|
(2)
|
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company at the end of the period
covered by the Report and results of operations of the Company for the period covered by the Report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: August 5, 2022
|
|
|
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
|
|
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ DIAN C. TAYLOR
|
|
/s/ DAVID B. SPACHT
|
Dian C. Taylor
|
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David B. Spacht
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These certifications accompany the Report to which they relate, are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are
not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of the Report), irrespective of any
general incorporation language contained in such filing.
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(1)
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The Trust’s restoration of groundwater in the “Area of Attainment” within the Upper Potomac Aquifer, which has been impacted by releases of COCs
from the Site;
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(2)
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The continued operation of Llangollen’s production wells;
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(3)
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The continued extraction of groundwater at Llangollen with treatment by Artesian utilizing existing systems for BCEE, 1,4-dioxane and manganese;
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(4)
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The distribution of water by Artesian to its customers that meets Applicable Drinking Water Standards, and
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(5)
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The Trust’s implementation of a groundwater monitoring program to ensure that the remedial action is meeting the short term goal of containment.
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A.
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“Applicable Drinking Water Standards” means all standards established by an applicable law, ordinance,
statute, rule, regulation, or governmental agency, as amended from time to time, that apply to potable water that Artesian supplies to the public, including, without limitation, all applicable primary and secondary drinking water standards,
maximum contaminant levels, health advisory levels, and action levels, including the risk- and health-based performance standards specified in Section 2.12.7 of ROD Amendment No. 2.
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B.
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“Area of Attainment 1” means the area designated as AoA-1 (Area of Attainment for Selected Area) on the
figure attached hereto as Exhibit A, which is Figure 6.1 to the USEPA-approved February 2021 Pre-Design Investigation Evaluation Report (as referenced in Section 3.7 of the Scope of Work attached to the Consent Decree). The USEPA may
adjust the contours of the Area of Attainment 1 based on information developed in the course of implementing the Selected Remedy; such adjustments shall be incorporated herein.
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C.
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“Army Creek Only Parties” means E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company, BP Amoco Chemical Company (now
known as INEOS US Chemicals Company), and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
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D.
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“Artesian” means Artesian Water Company, Inc.
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E.
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“ASR” means Artesian’s permitted aquifer storage and recovery facility at Llangollen, through which
Artesian is capable of storing and withdrawing a maximum of One Hundred Thirty Million (130,000,000) gallons of treated, potable water for public consumption. Artesian’s practice prior to this Agreement has been to store treated water in
the ASR during winter months, and withdraw as much as one hundred percent (100%) of the stored supply in the ASR during summer months with the timing of changing between injection and withdrawal influenced by several factors. Artesian is
permitted to bank treated water from one year to the next year if it is not drawn.
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F.
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“BCEE” means bis(2-chloroethyl)ether.
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G.
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“Capital Projects” means work to add to, enhance, modify or replace treatment systems to treat
Site-related COCs.
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H.
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“Claims” means claims, actions, causes of action, rights, liabilities, obligations, costs, liens,
demands, agreements, promises, rights, rights to subrogation, rights to contribution and indemnification, and remedies of every kind, type, description, and nature, whether known or unknown, direct, indirect, and/or consequential, punitive,
statutory, equitable, foreseen and/or unforeseen.
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I.
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“COCs” means collectively contaminants of concern and of emerging concern, defined as anything: (1)
exceeding or prohibited by Applicable Drinking Water Standards; (2) included on any USEPA Contaminant Candidate List published by USEPA pursuant to the Section 1412(b)(1) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 300g-1(b)(1); and
(3) without limitation of the foregoing, as defined by any Record of Decision or Consent Decree applicable to the Site, all as amended from time to time.
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J.
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“Compensable Capital Costs” means documented reasonable and necessary capital costs that Artesian
incurs hereafter for Capital Projects to treat Site-related COCs and shall be comprised of (i) the actual cost of materials; (ii) the actual cost of installation; (iii) an allowance, equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the estimated cost of
materials and installation, to cover Artesian’s costs of planning, engineering, design and obtaining permits; purchasing, ordering and expediting; freight; inspection and handling of material; storage and inventory carrying costs;
contractual negotiations (including related legal charges, but excluding any legal charges related to negotiations amongst the Parties); bidding; coordination with contractors and inspection of their work; sterilization of mains and
interconnections within Artesian’s system; administrative overhead; and such other costs as necessarily incurred by Artesian in the performance of its obligations hereunder; and, (iv) if ever finally determined applicable in accordance with
Paragraph III.B.5.g.iv. below, state and federal taxes on the value of the Compensable Capital Costs.
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K.
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“Compensable Operating Expenses” means documented reasonable and necessary operating expenses that
Artesian incurs from July 1, 2021, to treat Site-related COCs, such as, for example, purchasing hydrogen peroxide and UV bulbs for the UV-AOP system that treats 1,4-dioxane, replacement of activated carbon, the lawful disposal of wastes generated as a result of Artesian’s treatment of Site-related COCs that reach Llangollen, electric costs for operating systems to treat Site-related COCs, and
like consumables and replacement equipment. For the avoidance of doubt, Compensable Operating Expenses shall be of the same type and nature as incorporated into the calculation of Past Operating Costs, as set forth on Exhibit B. Exhibit
B also sets forth the procedures that Artesian will follow for replacement of activated carbon and for billing the Trust for electrical costs. Compensable Operating Expenses shall also include operating expenses incurred by Artesian to
treat COCs originating from the Western Lobe, provided that such COCs can be treated by Existing Treatment Systems.
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L.
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“Consent Decree” means the judicial Consent Decree between the Trust and the USEPA that governs the
implementation of ROD Amendment No. 2.
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M.
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“DNREC” means the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
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N.
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“DRBC” means the Delaware River Basin Commission, which has exclusive jurisdiction over groundwater
withdrawals from the Delaware River basin in excess of one million gallons per day, and therefore grants Artesian allocations for Llangollen from time to time.
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O.
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“Existing Treatment Systems” shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph III.B.1.b.
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P.
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“Financial Assurances” means those financial assurances that the Percentage Settlors have provided, or
will provide, to the USEPA in connection with the Consent Decree governing implementation of the Selected Remedy.
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Q.
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“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
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R.
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“Known COCs” means BCEE, 1,4-dioxane, and manganese.
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S.
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“Llangollen” means the Llangollen well field that Artesian owns and operates, which is situated near
the Site.
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T.
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“MGD” means million gallons per day.
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U.
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“Option Period VI.A.” shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph VI.A.3.
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V.
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“Option Period VI.B.” shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph VI.B.1
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W.
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“Party” or “Parties” means, either individually or collectively, Artesian, the Percentage Settlors, and
the Trust.
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X.
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“Past Capital Costs” means the $8,662,410 in capital costs incurred by Artesian prior to the date of
this Agreement to treat Site-related COCs, which the Trust shall reimburse as provided in Paragraph III.B.5.g.i. of this Agreement.
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Y.
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“Past Operating Costs” means the $1,320,092 in operating costs incurred by Artesian through June 30,
2021, to treat Site-related COCs, which the Trust shall reimburse as provided in Paragraph III.B.5.g.i. of this Agreement.
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Z.
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“Percentage Settlors” means collectively The Chemours Company FC, LLC, Hercules LLC, Waste Management
of Delaware, Inc., SC Holdings, Inc., Cytec Industries, Inc., Zeneca Inc., and Bayer CropScience Inc.
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AA.
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“PSC” means the Delaware Public Service Commission, which has exclusive jurisdiction over Artesian as a
public water utility of the State of Delaware.
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BB.
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“ROD Amendment No. 2” means Amendment No. 2 to the USEPA’s 1988 Record of Decision for the DS&G
Superfund Site, issued on December 12, 2017.
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CC.
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“Selected Remedy” means the remedy for the contamination existing at and emanating from the Site that
was selected by the USEPA through ROD Amendment No. 2 and as more fully described in Section 1.4 of the ROD Amendment No. 2, attached hereto as Exhibit C, as such remedy may be modified, with EPA approval, during the design and
implementation process.
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DD.
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“Site-related COCs” means COCs emanating from the Site in groundwater, being the Known COCs and such
other COCs as the USEPA may identify hereafter as emanating from the Site at levels requiring treatment to meet Applicable Drinking Water Standards or Target Treatment Levels.
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EE.
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“Site” means the Delaware Sand & Gravel Landfill Superfund Site, encompassing approximately 27
acres, located two miles south of the City of New Castle in New Castle County, Delaware. The Site is located along Grantham Lane, east of U.S. Highway 13 (Dupont Highway) and west of Delaware Route 9 (River Road). It comprises an area of
residential and light-industrial land use and is bounded to the north and northeast by the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks and to the west by Army Creek which discharges into the Delaware River less than one mile east of the Site and
depicted generally on the map attached to the Consent Decree as Appendix C. The Site includes all contaminated groundwater affected by the release of hazardous substances from the Delaware Sand and Gravel Landfill Superfund Site and from
the Eastern Lobe of the Army Creek Landfill Superfund Site, but it excludes groundwater impacted solely by releases of contaminants, pollutants, or hazardous substances from the Western Lobe of the Army Creek Landfill Superfund Site.
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FF.
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“Target Treatment Levels” means the levels that Artesian chooses to not exceed in water it distributes
to the general public throughout its service territory to provide a margin of safety in complying with Applicable Drinking Water Standards. With respect to naturally occurring substances, such as iron and manganese, Artesian’s Target
Treatment Levels are one-half of applicable Maximum Contaminant Levels as set forth within the Applicable Drinking Water Standards. With respect to man-made, non-naturally occurring COCs, Artesian strives to meet a Target Treatment Level
of non-detect using approved methods by an Office of Drinking Water (“ODW”) or USEPA certified laboratory or a laboratory as mutually agreed upon by the Parties, with reporting limits below the Applicable Drinking Water Standards. Artesian
balances its goal of meeting Target Treatment Levels with other factors, including technological limitations and efficient use of resources. Artesian’s Target Treatment Levels for Llangollen, as adjusted from time to time hereafter, shall
be the same Target Treatment Levels that Artesian applies at its other public water supply well and treatment facilities.
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GG.
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“Trust” means the Delaware Sand & Gravel Remedial Trust.
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HH.
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“USEPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
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II.
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“Western Lobe of the Army Creek Superfund Site” or “Western Lobe” means the Western Lobe of the Army
Creek Superfund Site as defined in the Consent Decree.
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A.
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Guiding Principle.
The Trust shall implement the Selected Remedy as set forth in ROD Amendment No. 2, in accordance with its obligations under the Consent Decree. The Army Creek Only Parties will contribute funds to the implementation of the Selected Remedy
in accordance with a separate agreement with the Trust. The Parties recognize that implementation of the Selected Remedy requires coordination and cooperation between the Parties. All Parties shall strive to cooperate and communicate with
each other in all matters relating to implementation of the Selected Remedy. The Parties shall use their respective current and future capabilities and facilities cooperatively to allow the Trust to capture Site-related COCs that migrate
from the Site through groundwater and to allow Artesian to use Llangollen as a source of potable water at its maximum permitted capacity that is consistent with the Trust’s obligation to implement the Selected Remedy. The Parties
anticipate that, over the extended period of time through which this Agreement may govern conduct between the Parties, both foreseeable and unforeseeable changes in circumstances will occur. The Parties’ shall, consistent with the terms of
this Agreement, do what is reasonably within their power to ensure the capture, extraction and treatment of Site-related COCs in groundwater in accordance with the Selected Remedy and the terms herein. Artesian shall operate Llangollen,
including its treatment systems, in a manner that targets the extraction and treatment of Site-related COCs to the extent required to meet Applicable Drinking Water Standards. When treating groundwater to remove Site-related COCs, Artesian
may go beyond Applicable Drinking Water Standards and strive to achieve Target Treatment Levels. The Parties agree that the Trust shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, compensate Artesian for (a) Past Capital Costs;
(b) Past Operating Costs; (c) Compensable Capital Costs; (d) Compensable Operating Expenses; and (e) any loss of use of Artesian facilities, including the ASR, due to Site-related COCs that reach Llangollen, subject to the terms of this
Agreement. Artesian agrees that any future costs it incurs and any future action that it takes in response to a loss of use of an Artesian facility pursuant to this Agreement and for which it seeks reimbursement from the Trust shall be
cost-effective (to the greatest extent reasonably possible), and Artesian will employ the same level of due diligence and care that it would ordinarily employ in incurring costs for its normal business operations.
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B.
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Operational Premise of
the Parties’ Agreement. Based upon modeling performed by the Trust, the Parties anticipate that their efforts as agreed upon herein, when combined with the Trust’s other Selected Remedy activities, will effectively capture
and remove Site-related COCs. Once the Trust has implemented the Selected Remedy and Artesian has remediated Site-related COCs in the Area of Attainment 1 beyond the influence of the Trust’s Selected Remedy extraction wells, the Trust
shall, subject to any required USEPA approval, control migration of Site-related COCs in groundwater at the Site without reliance upon Artesian operating Llangollen in any particular manner. The Parties understand and agree that the rate
at which Artesian pumps at Llangollen will impact the ability of the Trust’s facilities (as implemented pursuant to ROD Amendment No. 2) to capture Site-related COCs in groundwater and that Artesian’s continued pumping at Llangollen is an
integral component of the Selected Remedy. The Parties further anticipate that, in order to maintain capture of Site-related COCs in groundwater, Artesian may be required to continue to operate Llangollen in accordance with this Agreement
even after all Site-related COCs in groundwater extracted from Llangollen are remediated to below the Applicable Drinking Water Standards.
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a.
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Governmental approvals.
Artesian represents that, as of the date hereof, Artesian has governmental approvals authorizing the following at Llangollen:
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b.
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Treatment Capabilities.
Artesian represents that, as of the date hereof, Artesian has the following treatment capabilities installed at Llangollen (the “Existing Treatment Systems”), which relate to the following Site-related COCs:
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a.
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Artesian shall make any changes to its Existing Treatment Systems and operations that are required to
meet the Applicable Drinking Water Standards. If Artesian determines that Capital Projects are required to treat Site-related COCs in order to meet the Target Treatment Levels for the contaminant, Artesian shall promptly notify the Trust
of such determination and the Parties shall work together in good faith to develop the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment option that will enable Artesian to meet the Target Treatment Levels, which will provide Artesian a margin
of safety in meeting the Applicable Drinking Water Standards. The Trust shall reimburse Artesian for the costs of designing, installing, operating and maintaining such option as Compensable Capital Costs in accordance with the billing
terms set forth in Paragraphs III.B.5.g.ii. and iii. The Trust shall not be obligated to reimburse Artesian for any new or enhanced treatment system that Artesian designs without prior notice to the Trust, it being understood that the
design and installation of new or enhanced treatment systems shall progress in a manner intended to result in the treatment systems being installed and operational prior to any COCs reaching levels that preclude use of Llangollen as a
source of potable water under Applicable Drinking Water Standards. The Trust also shall not be obligated to reimburse Artesian for any new or enhanced treatment system that is not required to address a Site-related COC.
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b.
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From time to time, the Trust may propose to Artesian alternative treatment technologies that are more
efficient and cost-effective than those systems already installed for Site-related COCs, and Artesian agrees to consider any such proposals in good faith and shall only reject such proposal if it has a reasonable basis to do so.
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a.
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Designated Contacts.
Each Party shall at all times while this Agreement is in effect have a designated contact that can be reached by post, telephone and email. The Parties’ designated contacts shall communicate as frequently and in whatever manner as is
mutually acceptable, and such communications shall be in addition to the meetings required by Paragraph III.B.3.b. hereof. The Parties may change their designated contacts from time to time by giving written notice to the other Party as
provided in Paragraph IX below. The Parties’ designees as of the date of this Agreement are:
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b.
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Recurring Meetings.
The Parties shall meet to discuss matters relating to the Selected Remedy and/or this Agreement by such methods, such as in person or remotely, and at such places, dates and times as are mutually acceptable. The Parties may bring their
consultants and other agents, and such meetings may, by agreement, include the USEPA or other third parties. Such meetings shall initially occur on approximately a semi-annual basis, with additional meetings as requested by the Parties or
required by circumstances.
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c.
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Requests for Operational
Cooperation. The Parties shall, whenever reasonably possible, cooperate and comply with requests from the other Party with respect to operating their respective Llangollen and Selected Remedy facilities in a particular
manner to further the goals of this Agreement. As examples, if the Trust asks Artesian to pump more from a particular Llangollen well to better capture Site-related COCs, or if Artesian asks the Trust to pump more at its interceptor wells
in advance of planned maintenance of Llangollen facilities, each Party shall cooperate and use good faith efforts to comply with the reasonable requests of the other Party. Unreasonable requests include, without limitation, requests for
cooperation that would result in a failure to capture Site-related COCs, prevent Artesian from using Llangollen to meet the needs of its customers, threaten the integrity of Artesian’s water treatment facilities, or require either Party to
pump more water from its facilities than it is capable of pumping and/or disposing. If a reasonable request for cooperation from the Trust causes Artesian to incur additional cost or sustain financial loss, the Trust shall compensate
Artesian for such cost or loss, provided that the Trust shall not be required to compensate Artesian for speculative future losses or costs that Artesian would otherwise incur in the normal course of business. Any cost, loss, or lost
capacity for which Artesian seeks reimbursement from the Trust pursuant to this Paragraph is subject to the auditing provisions set forth in Paragraph III.B.5.g.iii.6., below.
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d.
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Timely Communication
Regarding Anticipated Non-Compliance. If any Party becomes aware that it will not be able to comply with any of the terms of this Agreement, it shall provide specific information about the issue to the other Party within
five (5) business days of that determination.
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a.
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Standard of Care.
Artesian and its respective agents, servants and employees shall use sound technical, engineering and environmental principles, practices, procedures and judgment and shall apply the degree of care and skill necessary to assure that its
Llangollen facilities are designed, built, operated and maintained for the purposes set forth herein in accordance with good professional practices.
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b.
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Compliance with
Applicable Laws. Artesian shall at all times comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations.
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c.
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Pumpage.
Subject to subsequent agreement of the Parties in connection with Paragraph III.B.3.c. hereof, the following shall be Artesian’s planned draws for production wells at Llangollen over rolling consecutive 90-day periods:
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d.
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Treating and Disposing.
Artesian shall use its treatment facilities at Llangollen to treat raw water drawn from its Llangollen wells until such treatment is no longer required in order for Artesian to achieve Target Treatment Levels for Site-related COCs.
Artesian shall arrange for the transportation and disposal in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations and requirements of any hazardous materials that result from such treatment.
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e.
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Information sharing.
Artesian shall provide the Trust information and appropriate documentation about:
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i.
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Pumpage for each Llangollen well monthly; and
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ii.
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All pre-treatment water quality test results for Site-related COCs within 30 days of receipt;
and
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iii.
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All point of entry water quality tests for Site-related COCs within 30 days of receipt; and
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iv.
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Planned and unplanned maintenance/outages of Llangollen wells or treatment systems expected to last
more than fourteen (14) days; and
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v.
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Upon reasonable request from time to time, provide test results for potable water being drawn from the
ASR; and
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vi.
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New capital costs and expenses; and
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vii.
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Orders or directives issued to Artesian by the PSC, the Delaware Office of Drinking Water, and any other
pertinent regulators related to or concerning COCs in water it withdraws from Llangollen; and
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viii.
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On-going expenses attributable to Site-related COCs; and
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ix.
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Any other documents or information reasonably required by the Trust to meet its obligations to implement
the Selected Remedy as set forth in the ROD Amendment No. 2 and the Consent Decree, with any reasonable and incremental associated costs incurred by Artesian to provide paid by the Trust.
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f.
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Testing.
Upon reasonable request by the Trust on a case-by-case basis, agents of the Trust may, in the presence of Artesian’s representative(s), draw samples for testing from Artesian’s Llangollen facilities.
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g.
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Access to Artesian
Facilities. Upon reasonable request by the Trust, Artesian shall provide authorized representatives of the Trust with access to inspect the Existing Treatment Systems and any systems or facilities subsequently constructed or
installed at the expense of the Trust. The Trust shall defend, indemnify and hold Artesian harmless with respect to any Claims by any person or entity relating to or arising from the access granted, except to the extent that such Claim is
caused by the negligent, reckless or intentional acts or omissions of Artesian or any person or entity acting under its control or supervision.
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a.
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Standard of Care.
The Trust and its respective agents, servants and employees shall use sound technical, engineering and environmental principles, practices, procedures and judgment and shall apply the degree of care and skill necessary to assure that its
Selected Remedy facilities are designed, built, operated and maintained for the purposes set forth herein in accordance with good professional practices.
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b.
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Compliance with
Applicable Laws. Trust shall at all times comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations.
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c.
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Implement the Selected
Remedy. The Trust shall implement the Selected Remedy as set forth in ROD Amendment No. 2 pursuant to the Consent Decree. The Parties understand that the USEPA may, from time to time, seek to impose additional requirements
on the Trust beyond what is currently set forth in ROD Amendment No. 2 and the Consent Decree. To the extent that those additional requirements are formally incorporated into the Selected Remedy or the Consent Decree, the Trust shall be
responsible for their implementation. The Parties understand and agree that this Agreement may need to be amended to accommodate any such additional requirements; provided, however, the Trust shall not have the power or authority to agree
to any Selected Remedy measure that would require performance by Artesian without Artesian’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Paragraph XI.I. shall govern any such amendment. Nothing in this Paragraph shall
limit the rights of the Trust to lawfully contest actions or requirements of the USEPA under the Consent Decree or as related to the Site.
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d.
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Information sharing.
The Trust shall monthly provide Artesian information and appropriate documentation regarding:
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i.
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Any information relating to insolvency, receivership, or filings for protection from creditors
by any of the Percentage Settlors, or an inability of the Trust to meet its financial obligations to Artesian; and
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ii.
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The specifications and location for each of the interceptor wells, monitoring wells, and other
Selected Remedy (as it may be amended from time to time) facilities designed or intended to capture or remediate Site-related COCs in groundwater that have been or hereafter are installed; and
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iii.
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Pumpage at the interceptor wells; and
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iv.
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Any planned abandonment of any monitoring wells for Artesian’s prior comment; and
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v.
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All modeling output that the Trust delivers to the USEPA relating to the capture of Site-related COCs in
groundwater; and
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vi.
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All water quality test results from the Trust’s Selected Remedy facilities; and
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vii.
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Planned and unplanned outages of the Trust’s Selected Remedy facilities expected to last longer than
fourteen (14) days in duration.
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e.
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Testing.
Upon reasonable request on a case-by-case basis, agents of Artesian may, in the presence of the Trust’s representative(s), draw samples for testing from the Trust’s Selected Remedy facilities.
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f.
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Financial Assurance of
Payment. Artesian shall have access to the Financial Assurances in accordance with Paragraph XI.E.7. of this Agreement.
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g.
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Financial Compensation.
The Trust shall pay Artesian for:
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i.
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Past Capital Costs and
Past Operating Costs. The Trust shall reimburse Artesian for Past Capital Costs and Past Operating Costs in accordance with the following schedule:
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1.
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$2,165,602.50, which amounts to one quarter of Past Capital Costs, and $330,023, which amounts to one
quarter of Past Operating Costs, within thirty (30) days after the Court’s approval of the Consent Decree;
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2.
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$2,165,602.50, which amounts to one quarter of Past Capital Costs, and $330,023, which amounts to one
quarter of Past Operating Costs, on or before the first annual anniversary of the Court’s approval of the Consent Decree;
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3.
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$2,165,602.50, which amounts to one quarter of Past Capital Costs, and $330,023, which amounts to one
quarter of Past Operating Costs, on or before the second annual anniversary of the Court’s approval of the Consent Decree; and
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4.
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$2,165,602.50, which amounts to one quarter of Past Capital Costs, and $330,023, which amounts to one
quarter of Past Operating Costs, on or before the third annual anniversary of the Court’s approval of the Consent Decree.
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ii.
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Compensable Capital
Costs and Compensable Operating Expenses. The Trust shall reimburse Artesian for Artesian’s documented Compensable Capital Costs (if any) and Compensable Operating Expenses. The Trust’s reimbursement of such costs shall end
if and when, based upon testing information from the Trust’s Selected Remedy facilities and Artesian’s Llangollen facilities, treatment of Site-related COCs at Llangollen is no longer necessary for Artesian to meet Target Treatment Levels.
This can be on a treatment train by treatment train basis; for example, if UV-AOP treatment for 1,4-dioxane is no longer necessary, but carbon is still required for BCEE, the Trust shall continue to compensate Artesian for carbon but not
for hydrogen peroxide or UV bulbs.
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iii.
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The Trust’s payment of Artesian’s documented Compensable Capital Costs and Compensable Operating
Expenses is subject to the following conditions and procedures:
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1.
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Billing.
Artesian shall bill the Trust for Compensable Capital Costs and Compensable Operating Expenses incurred after the execution of this Agreement as set forth in Paragraphs III.B.5.g.iii.2. and 3.
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2.
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Compensable Capital Costs.
For each Capital Project that is undertaken by Artesian in accordance with Paragraph III.B.2., Artesian shall bill the Trust for those Compensable Capital Costs that have been incurred as of each of the following project milestones:
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3.
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Compensable Operating
Expenses. Artesian shall bill the Trust monthly for Compensable Operating Expenses. The Trust shall pay to Artesian the undisputed Compensable Operating Expenses within forty-five (45) days of receipt of each Artesian
invoice. If the Trust fails to timely pay Artesian for any undisputed Compensable Operating Expenses, interest shall accrue at the rate of 1.5% per month.
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4.
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Billing Disputes.
The Trust reserves the right to dispute any invoice for Compensable Capital Costs or Compensable Operating Expenses that the Trust believes (i) is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and/or the Trust’s obligations hereunder, or
(ii) lacks sufficient detail or supporting documentation. To the extent that the Trust disputes only a portion of an invoice, the undisputed portion shall remain due and owing in accordance with the above payment schedules. Once a dispute
over an invoice (or any portion thereof) is resolved, the balance determined to be due pursuant to such dispute resolution process, shall be paid within forty-five (45) days of such determination. Interest shall accrue at a rate of 1.5%
per month on any amounts not timely paid under this Paragraph.
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5.
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Billing address.
Artesian shall send invoices relating to this Agreement by electronic mail, with copies sent by regular mail, using the following contact information:
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6.
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Audit.
Artesian shall maintain documentation substantiating the charges reflected in all Compensable Capital Cost and Compensable Operating Expense invoices that Artesian sends to the Trust for a minimum period of three (3) years. The Trust may
at its sole expense take reasonable steps to audit Compensable Capital Costs and Compensable Operating Expenses that Artesian bills to the Trust, and Artesian shall cooperate with any such audit. To the extent that any audit reveals an
overpayment to Artesian by the Trust, the Trust shall promptly notify Artesian in writing, and Artesian shall reimburse the Trust for the amount of the overpayment within thirty (30) days of such written notice. Artesian reserves the right
to dispute any assertion by the Trust that an overpayment has occurred. To the extent that any audit reveals an underpayment by the Trust to Artesian, the Trust shall reimburse Artesian for the amount of the underpayment within thirty (30)
days of completion of the audit. Interest shall accrue at the rate of 1.5% per month on any amount of undisputed overpayment or underpayment that remains outstanding more than thirty (30) days after completion of the audit.
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iv.
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Taxes on Trust
Reimbursement of Artesian Capital Costs. Artesian shall report any reimbursement of Compensable Capital Costs and Past Capital Costs by the Trust as a return of capital for federal and state income tax purposes. The Parties
understand that such reimbursements are not includible in federal gross income as a consequence of the amendments to Section 118 of the Internal Revenue Code made in the 2017 legislation known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act because payments
from the Trust to Artesian are settlement payments that are not reportable as income, and thus, that there will also be no state income tax on such reimbursements as a consequence of the amendments to Section 118 as applied under state
law. Artesian shall immediately inform the Trust if the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority opens an audit, examination, or other investigation or review of Artesian and raises either in writing or orally that any
reimbursement of Compensable Capital Costs or Past Capital Costs by the Trust should have been included in Artesian’s gross income as a result of the aforementioned amendments to Section 118. In that event, the Trust may, at its own
expense, participate in such audit, examination, or other investigation or review and advocate on behalf of Artesian to the fullest extent allowed by law that the Trust’s reimbursement should not be included in gross income pursuant to the
aforementioned amendments to Section 118. Artesian shall cooperate in any efforts by the Trust in this regard. In the event of a final, non-appealable determination that the Trust’s reimbursement of Compensable Capital Costs and/or Past
Capital Costs is includible in gross income pursuant to the aforementioned amendments to Section 118, the Trust shall within ninety (90) days of any such determination, pay to Artesian the amount of federal and/or state income taxes due as
a result of such inclusion of gross income and any interest and penalties accrued to that time resulting from the non-payment of such taxes. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this section shall obligate the Trust to reimburse Artesian
for any taxes imposed on Artesian for the Trust’s reimbursement of Compensable Capital Costs and/or Past Capital Costs, where such taxes result from Artesian’s depreciation of the capital assets that were the subject of the Trust’s
reimbursement or otherwise result in the reimbursement exceeding Artesian’s applicable adjusted tax basis.
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A.
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Artesian Force Majeure.
Artesian shall not be liable to the Trust if circumstances or events beyond its control prevent it from operating Llangollen as required by this Agreement, despite its good faith efforts to fulfill its obligations herein. If Artesian
anticipates or experiences such a force majeure event, Artesian shall promptly notify the Trust about the issue and the Parties shall maintain reasonable communication about the issue thereafter. To the extent that a force majeure event
(as it is defined in this Paragraph IV.A.) occurs, Artesian’s obligation to comply with those terms of this Agreement that have been specifically impacted by the force majeure event shall be temporarily stayed. All other obligations of the
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Artesian, in cooperation with the Trust, shall thereafter exercise reasonable efforts to resolve the force majeure event. Subject to Paragraph VI of this Agreement, if and when the force
majeure event is resolved, Artesian shall resume its compliance with those obligations that were stayed as a result of the force majeure event and the Trust’s obligation to reimburse Artesian for related costs and expenses shall resume.
Force majeure shall not include normal seasonal events, normal inclement weather or the failure by Artesian to make timely application for permits or approvals.
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B.
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Trust Force Majeure.
The Trust shall not be liable to Artesian for its obligation to make payments under this Agreement if any catastrophic event beyond the control of the Trust precludes normal banking and funds transfers (such as the emergency closing of the
Federal Reserve System, termination of normal mail or expedited mail services due to national emergencies, and similar events). If the Trust anticipates or experiences such a force majeure event, the Trust shall promptly notify Artesian and
the Parties shall maintain reasonable communication about the event thereafter. To the extent that a force majeure event (as it is defined in this Paragraph IV.B.) occurs, the Trust’s payment obligations under this Agreement shall be
temporarily stayed. All other obligations of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Trust, in cooperation with Artesian, shall thereafter exercise reasonable efforts to resolve the force majeure event. Within forty-five
(45) days of the resolution of the force majeure event, the Trust shall pay Artesian all amounts that were not timely paid to Artesian because of the force majeure event and resume compliance with its payment obligations under this
Agreement.
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A.
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If any governmental authority with jurisdiction over Artesian’s delivery of water to the public
determines that the Existing Treatment Systems and any appropriate and cost-effective treatment options selected pursuant to Paragraph III.B.2. are unable to meet the Applicable Drinking Water Standards for a Site-related COC preventing the
use of Llangollen as a public water supply, Artesian shall provide the Trust with prompt written notice in accordance with Paragraph IX and the Parties shall proceed as follows:
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a.
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Negotiated Resolution.
Within sixty (60) days of the Trust’s receipt of Artesian’s written notice, as set forth in Paragraph VI.A., above, Artesian shall submit to the Trust (i) a position paper setting forth in detail the damages Artesian is claiming as a result
of the loss of Llangollen as a public water supply due to Site-related COCs, any corresponding compensation from the Trust that Artesian claims to be owed, and a summary of the arguments supporting that position, and (ii) the name and title
of the representatives, and of any other persons who will accompany the representatives, who will represent Artesian in negotiations concerning the compensation issue. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of Artesian’s position paper, the
Trust shall submit to Artesian (i) a responsive position paper and (ii) the name and title of the representatives, and of any other persons who will accompany the representatives, who will represent the Trust in negotiations concerning the
compensation issue. Each Party shall designate a representative who is at a higher level than the person(s) with direct responsibility for administration of this Agreement. If possible, said representative will have the authority to
settle the compensation issue, but such authority shall not be required to conduct executive negotiations under this provision. Absent further agreement of the Parties, within twenty-one (21) days after the Trust’s delivery of its position
paper, the representatives of the Parties shall meet at a mutually acceptable time and place in New Castle County, Delaware and negotiate in good faith to resolve the compensation issue. In the event that the representatives are successful
in negotiating a tentative resolution but either representative does not have authority to settle the compensation issue, each representative shall convey the proposed resolution to the appropriate decision-making personnel immediately
following the conclusion of negotiations, and the Parties shall thereafter have fifteen (15) calendar days to issue a formal approval of the proposed resolution in writing. Nothing in this Paragraph shall prevent the Parties from
commencing negotiations prior to the delivery of position papers.
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b.
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Non-Binding Mediation.
Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, if the compensation issue is not resolved by negotiation pursuant to the procedures set forth in Paragraph VI.A.2.a., above, then the Parties shall commence non-binding mediation to resolve the issue
as follows:
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c.
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Litigation.
Unless the Parties mutually agree to extend the time period for mediation, if the Parties have not resolved the compensation issue within 75 days of the commencement of non-binding mediation, any Party may commence litigation concerning the
damages incurred by Artesian as a result of the loss of Llangollen as a public water supply and any corresponding compensation from the Trust that Artesian may be owed. Each Party hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state
and federal courts in New Castle County of the State of Delaware for all such litigation proceedings. Each of the Parties irrevocably consents to the service of any process, pleading, notices or other papers by electronic mail, with copies
sent by regular mail, using that Party’s contact information and address set forth herein, or by any other method provided or permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each Party hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of
the aforementioned federal or state courts (and any related appellate courts) with respect to any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to Artesian’s right (or lack thereof) to compensation from the Trust for the loss of
Llangollen as a public water supply due to Site-related COCs. In addition to any damages, costs, expenses and other relief that may be granted by the court, the Party that substantially prevails shall be entitled to have its reasonable
attorney and expert fees paid by the other Party.
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d.
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The provisions of Paragraphs XI.E.4. through XI.E.7. shall apply as if incorporated within this
Paragraph VI.A.2.
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B.
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For reasons unrelated
to Site-related COCs: Artesian shall provide the Trust with prompt written notice in accordance with Paragraph IX if it determines that it can no longer use Llangollen, in whole or in part, as a public water supply source
for reasons unrelated to Site-related COCs, and the Parties shall proceed as follows:
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C.
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If any applicable governmental authority reduces Artesian’s allocation for groundwater at Llangollen,
the Trust after consulting with the USEPA shall determine whether the reduced allocation will adversely impact the Trust’s ability to comply with the Consent Decree, and if it will, the Parties shall cooperate in petitioning the applicable
governmental authorities, including as pertinent the USEPA, to restore Artesian’s allocation for extraction of groundwater at Llangollen to allow the Trust to meet its obligations under the Consent Decree to the greatest extent possible.
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A.
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Except for the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Parties mutually release and
covenant not to sue each other with regard to any and all past, present, and future Claims that concern the Site and Site-related COCs. Subject to the ACO Parties’ execution of a separate agreement conveying to Artesian a reciprocal
release and covenant not to sue, Artesian releases and covenants not to sue the Army Creek Only Parties with regard to any and all past, present and future Claims that concern the Site and Site-related COCs. Nothing in this Paragraph shall
operate as a release or covenant not to sue with respect to Claims by Artesian relating to releases of COCs other than from the Site.
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B.
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Provided that Artesian is in material compliance with its obligations under this Agreement, the Trust
and the Percentage Settlors shall defend, indemnify and hold Artesian harmless with respect to any Claims by any person or entity not a Party to this Agreement relating to the Site and Site-related COCs, including any such Claims by the
Army Creek Only Parties.
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C.
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If Artesian delivers water impacted by Site-related COCs to its customers which does not meet the
Applicable Drinking Water Standards in effect at the time of delivery, then Artesian shall indemnify and hold the Trust, the Percentage Settlors and the Army Creek Only Parties harmless with respect to Claims by any person or entity not a
Party to this Agreement relating to the delivery of that water.
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A.
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Suspension of Payments
to Artesian and Suspension of Cooperative Use of Llangollen. Even after the Trust’s obligation to reimburse Artesian for Compensable Operating Expenses terminates pursuant to Paragraph III.B.5.g.ii. of this Agreement,
Artesian shall continue to pump Llangollen in accordance with Paragraph III.B.4.c. above until the USEPA determines that such pumping is no longer required to capture and contain Site-related COCs. The Parties shall continue exchanging the
information required by this Agreement for so long as the Trust remains obligated under the Consent Decree to implement the Selected Remedy. If Site-related COCs again reach Llangollen at levels that require treatment to meet Target
Treatment Levels, the Trust’s operating cost payments to Artesian shall resume in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and the standard for suspending them again shall be as set forth in Paragraph III.B.5.g.ii.
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A.
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PSC Approval as
Condition Precedent; Termination.
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D.
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Breach, Dispute and Cure
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E.
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Dispute Resolution; Venue
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F.
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Waiver. Any
waiver by any Party of any right or remedy arising in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be without prejudice to the rights or remedies the Party may have arising out of any subsequent or different breach.
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G.
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Counterparts;
Electronic Signatures; Integration. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This
Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile or other electronic means. This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, written or oral, all of which are merged herein.
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H.
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Severability.
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be wholly or partially unenforceable for any reason, such provision or portion shall be reformed to the least extent possible to be enforceable under
applicable law and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. If reformation of such provision or portion of this Agreement is not possible, then such provision or portion thereof will be considered separate from
the remainder of this Agreement, which will remain in full force and effect.
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I.
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Entire Agreement. This Agreement
constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all previous representations and understandings, oral or written, between the Parties. Neither this Agreement nor any of its
terms may be amended, waived or discharged orally. Any amendment of this Agreement must be in writing, signed by all Parties. All Parties participated in the drafting of this Agreement and the interpretation of any ambiguity herein shall
not be affected by a claim that a particular party drafted any provision hereof. The Parties intend that this Agreement constitutes a contract under seal.
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J.
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Effective Date.
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a.
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The Trust, the Percentage Settlors and the Army Creek Only Parties have signed an agreement that is
consistent with the terms of Section VIII.A of this Agreement;
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b.
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The United States District Court for the District of Delaware has entered the Consent Decree, and
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c.
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The Trust provides Artesian with written notice that the conditions set forth in subparagraphs 1 and 2
of this section have been met, and Artesian provides the Trust with written confirmation that the Agreement is in effect. Artesian shall provide such written confirmation within ten (10) business days of notification from the Trust that
the conditions identified in subparagraphs a and b of this section have been met.
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