Water Law

Tonkon Torp understands the pressing questions surrounding the use of water and the complexities in water law. We help navigate administrative processes for obtaining water rights. We look for creative solutions to meet water needs and to resolve contentious water disputes.

We call upon our years of experience, while also staying up-to-date on emerging issues, including declining groundwater levels and climate change predictions. Our clients include:

Large and small-scale agricultural operations
Commercial and residential developers
Financing sources and investors
Hydroelectric power producers
Renewable energy developers
Recreational businesses
Non-governmental organizations

We provide representation before state and federal administrative agencies, courts, and legislatures. We integrate water law expertise with other practice areas including real estate and land use, energy, government relations, public policy, and environmental law.
Our water law experience covers a broad range of legal services.

Transactions

We have assisted clients on a variety of transactions involving water law and water rights, including:

Water rights acquisition
Purchase, sale, lease, or donation of water rights
Analysis of water rights, due diligence, title searches, and water rights audits
Change or modification of water rights
Mitigation plans and water exchanges
Easements and other water access issues
Impact of environmental regulations on water use
Advisory opinions for new water dependent or water-related businesses
Waterway ownership disputes
Mitigation banking

Water Law Litigation

Agency contested cases
Water rights adjudication
Disputes in state and federal courts

Administrative Law/State & Federal Permitting

Representation in administrative rule making proceedings
Pre-application consultations
Permit applications
Compliance resolution

Government Relations

Representation in state and federal legislative matters
Consultation with state and federal legislators, state and federal agency policy representatives, and others within the private and public interest sectors involved in making public policy

Attorneys

Janet Neuman

Senior Counsel

503.802.5722
janet.neuman@tonkon.com

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Acquisition of 540 Acres, Subject to Conservation Easement

Represented the Columbia Land Trust in the acquisition of 540 acres from the Port of Vancouver, USA in the Vancouver Lake Bottomlands, subject to a conservation easement requiring that the land be actively managed to provide a feeding and nesting area for the costal flock of the Pacific Flyway population of Sandhill cranes.

Clean Water Act Violation Defense

Negotiated settlements with third-party citizen-suit claimants under the Clean Water Act.

Water Right Transfers

Represented clients in matters concerning the purchase and sale of water and water rights.

Water Rights Contested Case Defense

Represented hydro-power producers in water rights contested case proceedings before the Oregon Department of Water Resources and appellate courts.

Water Rights Protection

Represented clients in administrative proceedings to secure new and protect existing water rights.

8.20.2020

Best Lawyers in America® Includes 49 Tonkon Torp Attorneys on 2021 List

Forty-nine Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 36 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. A majority of attorneys have been named to the peer-review list in past years, and most have been recognized for more…

4.27.2020