Testimonials
Default Banner Image

CLEAN WATER VS. PLASTICS PRODUCTION, A BALANCING ACT

Just before the 4th of July, The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The lawsuit is based upon the EPA’s approval of a Clean Water Act covering stormwater discharges for thousands of industrial facilities countrywide.

The lawsuit faults the Clean Water Act’s failure to protect the public, waterways, animals, and critical habitats from plastic and other forms of pollution discharged through industrial stormwater.  An attorney involved in the lawsuit claims the EPA simply reissued its 2015 permit and failed to consider the Center for Biological Diversity’s recommendations. The lawsuit targets stormwater discharges into U.S. waters from industrial polluters in 30 categories, including chemical, rubber and plastics, among others.

Plastic production, transportation and use in industrial facilities results in the transfer of trillions of plastic particles to the environment every year.  These particles are often spilled in outdoor areas, picked up by runoff and discharged to surface waters. Once in the environment, these plastic particles are eaten by marine animals and birds and become embedded in sediments and plants.  It is estimated that 15 million tons of microplastics have currently settled onto the ocean floor.

Stay tuned for Ninth Circuit’s rulings in this case as, according to the American Chemistry Council, the plastics and chemical industry is investing more than $200 billion in the U.S. for 349 plastics production projects.  It is ironic that 40% of new plastic production is for single use items, including water bottles designed to carry clean water.

--------------------------

This article is informational only and meant to provide guidance. It is not meant to be legal advice and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For what to do in your specific situation, please consult with a qualified Construction Law attorney.

Testimonials

Mahyar was a big part in helping start our company and setting up our corporation. She also went to battle with a Billion dollar Corporation to keep our doors open when they tried everything to shut us down.

Danny Lamping

Classic Refrigeration Company

In 2008 -2009, our company was involved in a lawsuit with over 1 million dollars claimed against us. Mahyar Ghassemian handled our case expertly and conscientiously. She explained on a regular basis the progress of our case and how each of the actions of our opponent would ultimately affect our case. At no time did we feel alone or compromised as Mahyar boldly stayed her course which eventually provided us with the satisfactory outcome we had hoped to achieve. She will be our first call should the need arise in the future.

Kelly Owen

Clarion Construction, Inc.

Many years ago an insurance carrier hired Mahyar Ghassemian to defend my construction firm in civil litigation. Not only was Ms. Ghassemian very knowledgeable and competent regarding the legal proceedings, but she was also personally vested in our well-being; she cared what happened. She counseled us regarding the various options, listened to our input and proceeded accordingly. In multiple cases with Ms. Ghassemian, we have never experienced a negative outcome. Today my first call when a potential legal issue is on the horizon is to Ms. Ghassemian. She is both extremely effective and cost conscious.

Russell Patterson

The Patterson Company

Small Firm Value – Large Firm Expertise