While most law firms provide environmental compliance counsel as ancillary support for transactions, our environmental practice is a core strength of our firm and an area in which we possess a national reputation for leadership and top talent. We know the environmental compliance frameworks that apply to the regulated community, such as manufacturers, oil and gas companies, mining operations, renewable and traditional energy generators and utilities, forestry lands and products, ports, and real estate developments.
We have one of the largest Environmental Compliance teams of any firm, and many of our attorneys are scientists, engineers, former EPA officials and individuals who’ve worked in forestry, natural resources and other industries. We are leaders in advising on air, water, soil and waste issues.
Key to our effectiveness is our constructive working relationships with regulators and government leaders at local, state and federal levels. We are viewed as effective advocates by regulators because we possess an unusual depth of knowledge and experience. We routinely sit on agency advisory committees and are active in rule making and policy development.
We understand the science behind the law and the business impacts of regulation. This perspective adds strategic thinking to the work of consultants and in-house professionals and increases our value to our clients.
Air Quality
Our air quality team is nationally known for superior knowledge and service. Our permitting, compliance and enforcement defense capabilities are rooted in years of experience and collaboration among colleagues. Our clients include chemical plants, mines, power plants, pulp and paper mills, food processors, publicly owned treatment plants, ports, and steel mills.
Our Services
- Title V permitting
- Long-term support for permitting new facilities
- Response to odor/deposition and toxic exposure complaints
- New source review permitting
- Emission reduction credits
- RACT and BART permitting
- Permitting appeals
- Toxic and hazardous air pollutant standards
- Compliance with NSPS, NESHAP (MACT) and Section 112(r) emission standards (stationary and mobile sources)
- Rulemaking and rule challenges
- Climate change
Water Quality
We’ve handled some of the highest profile federal and state NPDES and CWA Section 404 permitting actions for new and expanding facilities in the western U.S. We secure wastewater permits in jurisdictions where new permits are increasingly difficult to obtain. Our clients include chemical plants, mines, power plants, pulp and paper mills, irrigation districts, ranches, food processors, publicly owned treatment plants, ports, steel mills, and real estate developers.
Our Services
- NPDES
- CWA Section 404 compliance
- Water quality-based permit limits
- Prosecution and defense of permit challenges
- Variances
- TMDL development and implementation
- New source performance standards
- Clean-up and abatement orders
- Pollutant trading
- Wetlands regulation, mitigation and banking
- Water quality certifications
- Endangered Species Act regulation
Wetlands
We have extensive experience navigating the issues that emerge in development or operation near waterways or wetlands. These can include questions about location, ownership or movement of water boundaries.
Our Services
- Wetlands regulation, mitigation and banking
- CWA Section 404 and Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) Section 10 permitting
- Transaction due diligence
- Endangered Species Act regulation
- Shoreline permits and the California Coastal Act
Hazardous Waste
We advise clients on all aspects of federal, state and local regulation of hazardous waste generation management, disposal and remediation. We have particular knowledge of California waste statutes and compliance requirements, and electronic waste generation and disposal. We work closely with a network of technical experts, consultants and laboratories that analyze and refute evidence in dispute.
Our Services
- Waste treatment and disposal
- Hazardous waste permits, modifications and renewals
- Negotiation of Corrective Action Consent Agreements
- California Toxic Substances Control compliance
- Response to EPA, state and local agency enforcement actions
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) counsel
- Waste identification and classification
- Negotiation of cost recovery and remedy settlements