Water Resources
The protection of water resources has always been at the forefront of environmental regulation in Florida. We have represented a wide range of industrial, governmental, and land development clients in all areas of water resource regulation, ranging from development of legislation and regulatory standards to the permitting of water-related projects. We have helped shape the way water resources are regulated in Florida.
Water, in one way or another, is often a critical factor in industrial operations and land development. Industrial facilities need permits for the use of water in the industrial process and for the disposal of wastewater. Our firm has been an active player in this arena for over twenty years. Many of our lawyers have devoted much of their careers to water resource issues. Water resources include not only ground water for public or private consumption, but also surface water. Our firm's lawyers have substantial experience in all aspects of the regulation of impacts to surface waters. Our firm has represented a variety of clients on water-related issues, including developers, industry, utilities, and mining companies. We have wide-ranging experience in the many issues involving water resources, including storm water management, sovereign submerged lands, water withdrawals, domestic and industrial wastewater discharges, water quality, and potable water use.
Our firm is involved in all areas of water resource regulation, from the development of legislation and rules that provide the standards to the permitting of individual facilities and projects. When disputes arise with a regulatory agency or third party over water resource issues, we also have extensive experience in litigating cases in both administrative and judicial arenas.
Permits authorizing impacts to water resources may be hotly contested if care is not taken to craft the project in a manner that meets all environmental criteria and addresses concerns when possible. An experienced attorney can guide your project through the permitting process or assist in easing unfairly constricting regulations and thereby avoid the shoals and rocks that might otherwise sink the project.
Practicing Attorneys : James S. Alves, Richard S. Brightman, David W. Childs, William H. Green, Frank E. Matthews, Eric T. Olsen, Timothy M. Riley, Amelia A. Savage, Susan L. Stephens, and Angela Morrison Uhland.