Melissa Thorme Email & Phone Number

My busy and complex administrative and litigation practice revolves around one of California’s most precious resources - water. Few attorneys share my in-depth knowledge and experience in the area of water quality regulation and litigation. I have litigated major water quality cases in state and federal courts, including arguing a rare case taken up by the California Supreme Court, which reaffirmed the requirement to consider economics when the state government goes above and beyond federal requirements contained in the decades old Clean Water Act. I also regularly appear in front of regional water quality control boards around the state and before the State Water Resources Control Board on issues related to water quality policy and the regulation of discharges to land, wastewater, storm water, and recycled water. An article in Sacramento Lawyer magazine touted my “leadership, valuable contribution, and insight into this constantly evolving area of law.” I also successfully defend clients in administrative and criminal enforcement actions, as well as in citizen enforcement actions, and have reached many favorable settlement agreements with environmental agencies and citizens groups. I represent entities statewide, from San Diego to Humboldt counties, providing valuable compliance assistance regarding today’s ever tightening water quality regulatory regime. My experience and insights also assist clients in complying with the ins and outs of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by shepherding environmental documents through the process and hopefully avoiding litigation. I also assist development projects clear the 401 certification and 404 permitting process hurdles and help contractors and developers maintain storm water compliance. I also combine my love of horses with legal assistance to the equestrian community.Specialties: Wastewater and Stormwater Regulation, Environmental Litigation, Compliance Assistance, Enforcement Defense, NPDES/WDR Permits

Listed skills include Environmental Law, Environmental Awareness, Water Quality, Environmental Compliance, and 22 others.