Peter McGaw brings an understanding of a wide range of issues to the practice of law, with a particular expertise in environmental issues.
Guidance on Environmental Permitting for Public Entities
Over the years, Peter has provided services as special counsel on NPDES and waste discharge permitting issues to multiple public entities. He consults with many other public and private entities on waste discharge issues, including permitting and TMDL development. Peter also provides formal and informal advice on legislative and regulatory drafting, and advocacy on environmental issues affecting his clients.
Practical Solutions for Clients in Environmental Disputes
Although Peter is an accomplished litigator, he emphasizes practical problem solving over litigated conflict resolution, and demonstrates a special sensitivity to issues of public perception in the environmental arena.
He has represented clients in regulatory, remediation, personal injury, and property damage cases arising out of environmental legislation. These include the Federal Clean Water Act, the State Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the Clean Air Act, Federal Superfund, State of California Superfund and California’s unique “Proposition 65.”
Environmental Leadership in Contra Costa County
Peter's strengths are perhaps best exemplified by his chairmanship of the Environmental Task Force for the Contra Costa Council for over a decade and his election as Chair of the Council’s Board of Directors. Peter is the Council advocator locally, state-wide and nationally on issues affecting economic vitality and the quality of life.
His leadership in the development and advocacy of issues of significance to the Council and its members led to his being named “Outstanding Task Force Chair” and later receiving the Council's Distinguished Service Award. Peter also serves on the Council's Executive Committee and as its Chief Legal Counsel.
Authoritative Counselor on Water and Wastewater
Peter has been active in the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) for many years. He serves on its Attorneys Committee where he is recognized as an authority on wastewater permitting issues. He currently serves as counsel for CASA in the CASA/Vacaville permitting litigation, which challenges the Regional Water Quality Control Boards’ adoption of key provisions of Basin Plans throughout the state.
Trusted Advocate on Air Quality Issues
Peter has counseled clients in enforcement and compliance matters before local air districts and the state Air Resources Board. In addition, he has counseled individual clients and coalitions of clients regarding the environmental warning requirements under Proposition 65. He received commendation for his service on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Environmental Justice Working Group.
A Persuasive Force in Environmental Remediation
Whether representing clients regarding a leaking underground storage tank or a complex Superfund site, Peter brings a common approach to his cases.
He emphasizes credibility with the regulatory agencies and has good working relationships with consultants and regulators across the state. He believes that in the regulatory arena, the ability to persuade is paramount and professional reputation is critical.
Leading Protectorate of Clients in Preventing Prop 65 Pitfalls
California's "Proposition 65" poses a potentially expensive trap for in-state and out-of-state manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
Peter is a co-author of the Proposition 65 Guidebook for the Crop Protection Industry, and a guiding participant in the successful effort to amend Proposition 65 to restrict egregious abuses. He has a long history of proactive defense against these private enforcement claims. Peter quickly assesses the client's potential liability, counsels the client on how to minimize that exposure, and negotiates for an appropriate resolution.