Project Experience

Natural Resource Damages

de maximis has provided leadership to its clients in the area of identifying, negotiating and/or defending natural resource damage claims. We have experience working with:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce for marine resources and habitats, including anadromous fish (fish that migrate up rivers from the sea);
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of the Department of Interior is responsible for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species and other federally regulated wildlife;
  • Various state natural resource agencies who have trusteeship for a variety of resources, including groundwater, surface water, sediment, and state-regulated fish and game;
  • Native American Tribes.

Some highlights of de maximis’s experience in natural resource damage claims includes:

  • Negotiation of a natural resource damage settlements (without the expense of a formalized natural resource damage assessment).
  • Management of the performance of a Type B Natural Resource Damage Assessment.
  •  Working with common counsel in the defense of the eventual natural resource damage claim.
  • Working with the Group and local, state and federal agencies to identify and develop off-site property for wetlands enhancement, including areas equipped with trails, signs and pavilions as part of the public educational program and parks/recreation.

Through its involvement in its clients’ exposure to natural resource damage claims, de maximis has remained skilled at managing the technical and policy tasks associated with this often complex process.