The Stoel Rives Water Quality Team has been tackling water quality permitting and related regulatory issues for more than 20 years. Whether you need assistance in a federal or state NPDES or section 404 permitting process, or seek to understand how water quality regulations and plans may affect your business, the Stoel Rives Water Quality Team can assist you. 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.
Grounded In Science
We understand the science of water quality regulations and permitting actions. Team members routinely deal with issues such as water-quality-based permit limits, variances, TMDL development and implementation, mixing zones, new source performance standards, pollutant trading, wetlands mitigation and banking, water quality certifications and Endangered Species Act consultation. We work with industry groups to influence development and implementation of federal and state water quality laws. Our attorneys sit on agency advisory committees and are active in rule-making, legislative initiatives and policies affecting water quality issues. The Water Quality Team's understanding of water quality regulatory processes can be critical to successful permitting or resolution of enforcement actions.
A Proven Track Record
We have handled some of the highest profile federal and state NPDES permitting actions (for new and existing facilities) and section 404 permitting actions (for new and expanding developments) in the West. We work closely with our client's engineers and consultants to find a practical balance between the client's business needs and the scientific and technical challenges of the water quality issue at hand. With this big-picture understanding, we can help clients navigate regulatory constraints so that workable permits can be obtained on schedule.
While we emphasize negotiation and staking out a common ground, the Water Quality Team stands ready to prosecute or defend permit challenges, defend against agency enforcement actions (civil and criminal), and defend citizen suits in order to protect our clients' interests. We possess the legal and technical experience necessary to handle even the most complex water quality cases effectively, and we can help you develop long-term strategies to cost-efficiently resolve water quality issues before they become lawsuits.