Businesses in California must take care to avoid groundwater contamination, which can harm the environment, public health and a business’s reputation. There are a variety of steps a business can take to help prevent this issue. Understand local regulations Businesses need to know and understand California’s regulations on groundwater protection. The State Water Resources Control Board and local agencies enforce these rules. Businesses should follow all guidelines and permits to ensure compliance. Staying informed about changes in regulations is also important. Proper waste disposal Proper wast ..read more

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are compounds that resist oil, water, grease and heat. Modern businesses use these chemicals in food-making equipment, cookware and food packaging. They are also present in private drinking water wells and public drinking water systems. Household products like carpets, clothes and other fabrics may also contain PFAs. Additionally, they can be found in shampoo, cosmetics and dental floss. While incredibly useful, PFAs have a dangerous impact on the environment. Also known as “forever chemicals,” these substances could take thousands of years to break ..read more

Lead is commonly used for its flexibility and rust resistance. This widespread use means some industries face a higher risk of lead exposure. That includes manufacturing and construction, where workers might handle lead-acid batteries or conduct activities that disturb lead-based materials. Although useful, lead is highly toxic to workers. Constant exposure can disrupt the body’s functions, speed up aging and cause severe health issues. These effects might be subtle at first, but over time, they can harm the brain, heart, kidneys and other systems. Companies in these high-risk industries need ..read more

Environmental law is not just about restrictions and regulations. It is a powerful tool that shapes a healthier and more sustainable future. Thus, upholding these laws ensures a positive impact across society. Environmental laws and health benefits A recent World Bank report highlights the alarming issue of plastic waste, with tons of plastic ending up in the ocean and harming marine life. Air and water pollution also pose significant health risks. Environmental laws tackle these issues head-on by regulating emissions from factories, power plants and vehicles. The result is cleaner air and wat ..read more

A source of recovery for someone damaged by a contractor’s work may be the contractor’s license bond, especially when a contractor is missing, unlicensed or insolvent.  California contractors are required to have a $25,000 bond issued by a licensed surety to maintain their contractor’s license. License bond sureties typically underwrite the bonds in exchange for a signed indemnity agreement and an annual premium. A contracting homeowner damaged as a result of the contractor’s violation of the Contractors’ State License Law may recover up to the entire amount of the $25,000 bond. Third par ..read more

In both private and public sectors, water usage is a primary concern that affects everyone. Business owners and private homeowners must adhere to local, state and federal regulations regarding water rights. Riparian water rights, specifically, pertain to landowners whose land adjoins bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers or streams. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management oversees regulation of land that exists in the public domain. Such land does not have riparian water rights. Only two states, including California, currently recognize riparian water rights. Riparian water rights apply to land wh ..read more

A new round of demands has been sent out to “de minimus” PRPs related to the BKK Class I Landfill in West Covina, California. The BKK Landfill operated from the 1960s to the mid to late 1980s. The BKK Landfill accepted more than 5 million tons of waste during its operation which have allegedly leached into the soil and groundwater. The DTSC estimates future cleanup costs for the first 100 years will approach $1 billion. In order to fund the cleanup, the DTSC is seeking contribution from any party who generated or transported hazardous waste regardless of the type of waste or whether it is a co ..read more

We only have one Earth, and it is full of diverse life forms and resources. As humans living on this planet, we must do our part to care for and protect our environment. Fortunately, California actively champions environmental laws, protecting the state’s natural resources and promoting sustainable practices. These laws impact individuals and businesses alike. If you are in the food industry, here are two typical implementations of environmental regulations for your business. Safe and sustainable food packaging California is working to cut down on single-use plastic and packaging waste. The Pl ..read more

Insurers often add exclusions to insurance policies to lower premiums and reduce their exposure to insurance claims.  These exclusions are usually buried in a policy or endorsements and can dramatically affect the coverage of loss in first party and third party claims.  A careful reading of the insurance policy before and after a claim is made is important. A first party insurance claim is a claim filed with your own insurance company following an accident or injury. This type of claim is made by policyholders who have suffered losses to their own property or personal injury.  I ..read more

California is serious when it comes to doing its part for the environment. This is no surprise, as California pioneered the transition to clean energy and has been aggressive about meeting emissions reduction goals. To this end, the state has enacted new laws to help businesses become more environmentally friendly. More ways to care for the environment while doing business The new laws aim to limit organic waste, plastic pollution and air pollution from businesses. Among the new green laws are the following: SB 1383: Hotels, school districts and hospitals must reduce their organic waste by con ..read more