What We Do

Among our work under federal and state laws, regulations, and permits involving water quality and water rights, we have:

Defended developer and construction company against multi-million-dollar penalty sought by Water Board for alleged violations of construction storm water permit.
Assisted multiple transportation, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and property owners with Water Board orders to investigate alleged contribution of VOCs and petroleum products to groundwater.
Defended numerous industrial companies against Notices of Intent to Sue under Clean Water Act.
Advised property owners regarding water rights in adjudicated basins;
Advised boatyard in negotiations with U.S. EPA over alleged storm water violations;
Assisted companies regulated under the Industrial General Stormwater Permit with compliance.
Enforced Clean Water Act compliance against United States, State of California, various municipalities, and companies for alleged violations.

Among our work involving local land use decisions and CEQA, we have:

Assist developer in CEQA negotiations with non-profit organizations.
Assist non-profit with evaluation and negotiation of conservation easements.
Represent neighborhood organization with challenge to City of Los Angeles housing project.
Defend property investor from criminal charges and allegations of habitat destruction brought by Fish & Wildlife and County of Riverside.
Assess CEQA compliance for shipping terminal.
Assess purchase of former oil property for potential conversion to parkland on behalf of non-profit.

Among our work under federal, state, and local waste management statutes and regulations, we have:

Defended multi-generational family business in federal court regarding alleged CERCLA/RCRA violations.
Defended multiple businesses against RCRA litigation arising from alleged improper oil disposa.
Defended multiple businesses from DTSC administrative and litigation enforcement arising from alleged improper handling or transportation of waste.
Represented former recycler regarding Unilateral Administrative Order issued by U.S. EPA.
Defended former circuit board manufacturer against Water Board litigation concerning alleged discharges to soil and groundwater.
Defended manufacturer against City of Los Angeles civil complaint for alleged improper materials handling.
Represented agricultural chemical company against County of Kern enforcement action.

Defended numerous property owners and businesses in federal court litigation under CERCLA and RCRA.
Defended property owners against state court litigation brought by DTSC.
Assisted an international non-profit organization with federal court litigation under the Clean Water Act against the federal government.
Asserted indemnity and cost contribution claims under state and federal laws.
Litigated Clean Water Act enforcement cases in federal court on behalf of non-profit organization.
Challenged a regional water quality control board permit approval in state court.
Defended clients against Water Board enforcement under Porter-Cologne Act.

Worked with clients and consultants to protect clients’ legal rights during DTSC, EPA, and Water Board-ordered investigations and remediation and achieve “no further action” status.
Defended clients in litigation and administrative enforcement matters alleging discharges from underground and aboveground storage tanks and materials handling.
Worked with clients through redevelopment projects to advise on technical reports and findings.
Assisted real estate attorneys and brokers in evaluating soil and soil vapor conditions and potential effect on legal risks and property values.
Overseen tenant remediation work to protect property owners.

Assisting prospective buyers and sellers with evaluation and negotiation of contaminated property sales.
Evaluating the legality of government orders and decisions and advice clients on options.
Providing oversight and guidance on environmental issues during redevelopment and construction projects.
Negotiating permit variances and requests.
Analyzing applicability of state and local regulations for start-up companies;
Consulting for counsel in water related lawsuits to provide water quality expertise under the safe drinking water act, clean water act and state law;
Providing regulatory compliance advice.