Note 14. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

We currently own or lease retail sites where refined petroleum products are being or have been handled. These retail sites and the refined petroleum products handled thereon may be subject to federal and state environmental laws and regulations. Under such laws and regulations, we could be required to remove or remediate containerized hazardous liquids or associated generated wastes (including wastes disposed of or abandoned by prior owners or operators), to remediate contaminated property arising from the release of liquids or wastes into the environment, including contaminated groundwater, or to implement best management practices to prevent future contamination.

We maintain insurance of various types with varying levels of coverage that is considered adequate under the circumstances to cover operations and properties. The insurance policies are subject to deductibles that are considered reasonable and not excessive. In addition, we have entered into indemnification and escrow agreements with various sellers in conjunction with several of their respective acquisitions, as further described below. Financial responsibility for environmental remediation is negotiated in connection with each acquisition transaction. In each case, an assessment is made of potential environmental liability exposure based on available information. Based on that assessment and relevant economic and risk factors, a determination is made whether to, and the extent to which we will assume liability for existing environmental conditions.

The table below presents a rollforward of our environmental liability (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Beginning balance	$	4,169		$	2,753
Provision for new environmental losses		1,334			199
Changes in estimates for previously incurred losses		(579	)		1,752
Payments		(1,387	)		(535	)
Total balance		3,537			4,169
Current portion, included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities		1,611			1,602
Long-term portion, included within other long-term liabilities	$	1,926		$	2,567

At December 31, 2017, we were indemnified by third-party escrow funds, state funds or insurance totaling $3.4 million, which are recorded as indemnification assets and included within other noncurrent assets on the balance sheet. State funds represent probable state reimbursement amounts. Reimbursement will depend upon the continued maintenance and solvency of the state. Insurance coverage represents amounts deemed probable of reimbursement under insurance policies.

The estimates used in these reserves are based on all known facts at the time and an assessment of the ultimate remedial action outcomes. We will adjust loss accruals as further information becomes available or circumstances change. Among the many uncertainties that impact the estimates are the necessary regulatory approvals for, and potential modifications of remediation plans, the amount of data available upon initial assessment of the impact of soil or water contamination, changes in costs associated with environmental remediation services and equipment and the possibility of existing legal claims giving rise to additional claims.

Environmental liabilities related to the sites contributed to the Partnership in connection with our IPO have not been assigned to us, and are still the responsibility of the Predecessor Entity. Under the Amended Omnibus Agreement, the Predecessor Entity must indemnify us for any costs or expenses that it incurs for environmental liabilities and third-party claims, regardless of when a claim is made, that are based on environmental conditions in existence prior to the closing of the IPO for contributed sites. As such, these environmental liabilities and indemnification assets are recorded on the balance sheet of the Predecessor Entity rather than the balance sheet of the Partnership.