West Coast Environmental understands that accuracy and timeliness are essential in working with the legal community, and specializes in providing support to legal counsel on a variety of technical matters, including the following:

Litigation Support

Thorough technical support is critical to successful litigation. WCE provides support in many aspects of litigation including providing technical expertise (see Expert Witness section), technical research, exhibit preparation, technical analysis, expert identification, and other services as required. We have a diverse in-house staff that responds quickly to initial requests for research or technical review, as well as providing detailed and extensive research or analysis where necessary. We also utilize advanced visual and document management technology where appropriate.

 

Due Diligence

WCE has a broad due diligence capability, including typical Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, operational review for industrial uses, and feasibility analysis for proposed uses. We have participated in due diligence projects on a local and national basis, and have provided environmental and entitlement due diligence on a wide variety of business and facility types. Our approach is to place primary focus first on key significant issues to develop a proper scope for further evaluation. In addition, we understand the importance of good communication during all phases of the project.

Find out more about our Phase I and Phase II Services...

 

Technical Solutions to Agency Disputes

Occasionally parties are not able to come to agreement regarding a specific permit or permit condition. WCE has successfully worked with applicants and regulatory agencies to develop a technical solution that meets the intent of the agency and still satisfies the operational requirements of the applicant. Typical agencies that we have worked with include Air Quality Districts, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, State Mining and Geology Boards, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and local agencies.

 

Technical Support for Rule Development

Industry groups have been very effective in ensuring new rules or regulations are appropriate for their industry by providing technical comments to various agencies. WCE can provide support to individual companies and industry groups in commenting on and participating in rule development for a variety of agencies including Air Quality Districts and Regional Water Quality Control Boards. We often review rules in other parts of California or the US to provide the agency with practical information regarding the success or failure of other proposed programs.

 

Expert Witness

Expert testimony is a critical aspect of complex cases. WCE has expertise and experience in providing expert witness services in a number of fields, including:

Water Quality and Water Resources

Air Quality Analysis and Risk Assessment

Air Quality Permitting and Conformity

Mining Operations and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA)

Groundwater Hydrology

Site Assessment and Contamination

We also assist in developing a team of experts with the backgrounds needed for a specific case.