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Operating Asset Impairments and Other Items
8 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]  
Operating Asset Impairments and Other Items
16. OPERATING ASSET IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER ITEMS

(Gain) Expense from Divestiture, Acquisition and Financing Costs

In transition period 2014, we recorded a $553 gain associated with Biofuels that we divested in fiscal year 2014. As a part of the divestiture, we agreed to complete certain site improvements at Biofuels which were completed in December 2014. The gain recorded is the result of reversing the excess remaining reserves not needed to complete the site improvements.

In fiscal year 2014, we incurred $144 of expenses primarily associated with legal costs for the acquisition of the remaining 50% membership interest of Tompkins. See Note 2 for disclosure over the acquisition of Tompkins.

In fiscal year 2013, we incurred $1,410 of expenses including a $303 write-off of costs associated with the attempted refinancing of our Second Lien Notes, $602 of legal costs associated with the divestiture of Maine Energy Recovery Company, LP (“Maine Energy”) divestiture transaction, as discussed in Note 17, and $505 of costs associated with the BBI acquisition.

Asset Impairment Charge

In April 2014, we initiated a plan to wind down the operations of CARES and to abandon the operations of CARES. As a result, it was determined that the carrying value of the assets of CARES was no longer recoverable and, as a result, the carrying value of the asset group was assessed for impairment. The impairment was measured based on the asset group’s highest and best use under the market approach. We recorded an impairment charge of $7,455 in fiscal year 2014 to the asset group of CARES in the Western region.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012, we entered into negotiations regarding the sale of Maine Energy. Based on the proposed purchase consideration, we reviewed the asset group for impairment and recorded a $40,746 impairment charge to the asset group located within the Eastern region. The impairment was measured based on the asset group’s highest and best use under the market approach, utilizing the discounted present cash flows associated with the purchase consideration of the facility, adjusted for costs to demolish the facility. We used a discount rate of 3.5%, which approximates the buyers borrowing rate. See Note 17 for disclosure over the Maine Energy divestiture transaction.

 

Development Project Charge

In fiscal year 2014 and 2012, we recorded charges of $1,394 and $131 for deferred costs associated with a gas pipeline development project in Maine no longer deemed viable in fiscal year 2014 and certain development projects no longer deemed viable in fiscal year 2012.

As of December 31, 2014, April 30, 2014 and April 30, 2013, we had $0, $0 and $1,644 of deferred costs associated with development projects included in other non-current assets within our consolidated balance sheets.

Severance and Reorganization Costs

In fiscal year 2014, we recorded a charge of $586 for severance costs associated with various planned reorganization efforts including the divestiture of Maine Energy.

In fiscal year 2013, we recorded a charge of $3,709 for severance costs associated primarily with the realignment of our operations in order to streamline functions and improve our cost structure, the closure of Maine Energy and a reorganization of senior management. Through the realignment of our operations we improved certain aspects of the sales function to better facilitate customer service and retention, pricing growth, and support of strategic growth initiatives; better aligned transportation, route management and maintenance functions at the local level; and reduced corporate overhead and staff to match organizational needs and reduce costs.

We have liabilities associated with severance and reorganization as of December 31, 2014, April 30, 2014 and 2013, which are recorded in other accrued liabilities, of $0, $478 and $680.

Legal Settlement

In fiscal year 2012, we recorded expenses totaling $1,359 attributable to a $359 legal settlement with the Town of Seneca, New York and a $1,000 legal settlement with the Vermont Attorney General’s Office.