PORTS & HARBORS: DESCRIPTION

With the continued growth of trade and business activity at ports around the country, businesses associated with the ports, harbors and shipping industries are experiencing increased environmental and regulatory actions.

The McKenna Long & Aldridge Environmental Department provides legal counseling, advice and litigation support to public and private entities in the ports, harbors and shipping industries who face increasing regulatory scrutiny. With significant experience in all areas of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, our attorneys advise clients regarding a range of issues, including permitting, recordkeeping and reporting requirements; private environmental enforcement actions; protection of groundwater resources in Southern California; and changes to laws impacting coastal zone development, coastal resources, and shipping and commerce in coastal waters.

We assist clients in navigating ongoing industry changes and proposed regulations, such as aggressive regulatory action by air quality authorities, cleanup operations, increases in users and licensing fees, EPA regulations, and litigation matters. Our attorneys are skilled at advising clients in complying with the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act; reviewing terminal lease agreements; conducting environmental audits; drafting compliance plans; negotiating with regulatory and enforcement agencies and legislative bodies; and representing clients in administrative proceedings and in civil and criminal litigation.

Our ports and harbors team enjoys effective working relationships with federal and state agencies and other influential bodies, including the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration—NOAA Fisheries, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Air Quality Management Districts throughout California, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Coast Guard.