The water quality of the ocean, bays and estuaries, rivers, creeks, wetlands, and other water bodies of California is closely regulated by numerous government agencies.  State, local, or federal permits are needed for discharges of waste, wastewater or fill material to surface waters.  Incidents may also occur due to accidental spills that pollute surface water, cause violations of permit requirements, or involve septic tank/leach field system discharges.

Gary has advised and represented many business owners, individuals, and public agencies as they address planning and compliance issues pertaining to these discharges and has assisted in obtaining permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies.  He has also represented, successfully defended, and resolved many enforcement cases brought against his clients that have included dismissals, settlements, hearings and appeals.  Many of the settlements have included agreements that establish environmental enhancement projects as a partial payment of civil monetary penalties.

Read about representative surface water cases.