Permit Litigation and Enforcement Defense
We advise clients at every stage in the life cycle of a permit dispute or enforcement case, from responding to information requests or notices of violation from government agencies to full-scale trials in federal court. We are also well-versed in out-of-court and pretrial dispute resolution, and have settled numerous enforcement cases with federal and state regulators involving water, air, remediation, and workplace safety issues.
Experience on Both Sides of the “V”
Did your neighbor spill hazardous waste onto your property? Did you accidentally spill hazardous waste onto your neighbor’s property? Either way, we’ve got experience in helping resolve the issue. By understanding how both plaintiffs and defendants think, we anticipate arguments and identify issues before they become problems.
Accidents Happen
We get it. Despite your best efforts, your facility is having trouble meeting permit limits, or a best management practice doesn’t go as planned. The Headwaters team has the experience to help you navigate any resulting legal issues.
Experts in Expert Management
Environmental litigation cases are often won or lost on the quality of expert testimony. We pride ourselves in working with experts to effectively communicate complicated scientific and environmental matters to a mediator, judge, or jury. Find out more about our expertise in expert management.
Comprehensive Case Management
Because we take the time to learn our clients’ businesses and understand their goals, we try to foresee potential issues before they arise. Even if a litigation matter is unexpected or you call us to help in a crisis, we are ready to handle your case from soup to nuts — initial filings to settlement —with care and precision.
Our Experience
Superfund litigation: We work with clients all over the country in all aspects of superfund litigation.
Hazardous waste: We really do have a client whose neighbor spilled hazardous waste all over their property.
Clean Water Act: We have a long history of working with clients on NPDES permit compliance and defense.
Have a case or questions related to this topic?
Our Experts in Permit Litigation and Enforcement Defense
Rachel Sinsheimer
Associate
- Board Member, Washington State Bar Association Environmental Law and Land Use Section
- Northwest Environmental Business Council, Presenter (2023)
Marcy Hupp
Partner
- Best Lawyers: Environmental Law (2021-2024)
- LL.M in Sustainable International Development
Chris Baird
Partner
- Lawyer of the Year (2021, 2024)
- Best Lawyers in America (2015–2024)
- Washington Rising Star (2012, 2016, 2017)
On Similar Wavelengths
Washington state updates Aquatic Life Toxics Criteria for the first time in 30 years, becomes first state to set criteria for 6PPD
Written by Marcy Hupp and Rachel Sinsheimer
Washington State Department of Ecology Proposes to Require PFAS and 6PPD Monitoring in Draft Industrial Stormwater General Permit
Written by Rachel Sinsheimer