Water Quality

GordonDerr helps a wide variety of clients deal with almost any water quality issue, from permitting to litigation. The water quality field involves the intersection of often complicated technical issues with legal and regulatory requirements. GordonDerr's attorneys coordinate technical experts and information and apply legal knowledge to advance clients' interests and facilitate the regulatory process.

Focused Knowledge and Experience

• NPDES permitting
• State waste discharge permitting
• Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting
• State water quality and coastal zone management certifications
• Hydraulic Project Approvals
• Local Shoreline Management Act permitting
• Local Critical Areas permitting
• Federal administrative appeals (EPA and Corps)
• State administrative appeals (Pollution Control Hearings Board, Hydraulics Board, Shorelines Hearings Board, Growth Management Hearings Board)
• State and federal litigation
• Local government administrative appeals
• Reclaimed Water

Representative Accomplishments

• Defended Clean Water Act citizens suits before U.S. District Court and 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
• Assisted local governments in project planning and permitting for new and modified wastewater treatment facilities.
• Negotiated NPDES permit conditions with Washington Department of Ecology and defended NPDES permits.
• Negotiated regulations with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife relating to Hydraulic Project Approvals.
• Obtained Shoreline permit approvals for resort/marina facilities.